FERRIS – Two licensed pilots escaped injury Saturday after the small airplane they were flying experienced engine problems shortly after takeoff and came to rest along the side of the WM landfill in Ferris.
According to preliminary information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration, the two pilots had rented the aircraft and departed from Lancaster Airport.
After the airplane gained altitude, the pilots began experiencing problems with the engine and subsequently lost power.
With the aircraft unable to maintain normal flight, the pilot attempted to make an emergency landing at the landfill. During the attempted landing, the airplane came to rest along the side of the landfill and became lodged in the slope.
Despite the condition and location of the aircraft, neither pilot was injured. Both occupants were confirmed to hold pilot licenses.
An FAA investigator responded and spoke with the pilots to gather preliminary information regarding the flight, the reported engine problems and the circumstances surrounding the attempted emergency landing.
The investigator will now begin reviewing the incident and determining what additional information or examination may be necessary.
The airplane will remain the responsibility of its owner and the owner’s insurance company.
They will be required to arrange for the aircraft to be safely recovered from the landfill and transported to an appropriate location where a more complete inspection can be conducted.
That inspection is expected to assist investigators in determining what caused the airplane to lose power shortly after leaving Lancaster.
Ferris Department of Public Safety will continue cooperating with the FAA. Ferris DPS personnel will work with federal investigators Monday and provide any reports, photographs, observations or other information requested as part of the review.
The incident remains under investigation by the FAA.