PLYMOUTH — Chief G. Edward Bradley reports that the Plymouth Fire Department Responded to Plymouth Municipal Airport Thursday afternoon for a report of an overturned airplane.
Firefighters arrived on scene at approximately 3:30 p.m., and found a Plymouth County Fire Patrol Cessna light aircraft that was overturned.
After a preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the plane, which was returning from routine air patrol, encountered a large gust of wind upon landing and the pilot was unable to prevent the plane from overturning.
The plane is used by fire departments in Plymouth County during extreme drought conditions, such as the ones currently ongoing, to monitor the area for potential fires. The crew includes a pilot and an observer who searches the area for smoke. The pilot and observer are hired through the Plymouth County Fire Chiefs’ Association.
Both the pilot and the observer were able to safely exit the plane on their own. They were in the process of securing the plane when crews arrived on scene.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident, but both occupants were transported to an area hospital for evaluation as a precaution.
The plane sustained severe damage as a result of the incident. It will remain on scene until crews from the Federal Aviation Administration respond to assist.
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