A terrifying moment unfolded in New Jersey when a skydiving plane carrying 15 people overshot a runway and slammed into a wooded area, leaving multiple passengers injured.
The crash, which officials are calling a “mass casualty incident,” is now under investigation by federal authorities.
Plane Overshoots Runway After Fifth Jump of the Day
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft—a Cessna 208B Caravan—veered off the end of the runway during landing in Gloucester County.
The pilot, who was reportedly returning from her fifth skydive of the day, attempted to land the plane when things went horribly wrong.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that the landing flare seemed insufficient, causing the nose landing gear to collapse. The aircraft suffered substantial damage to its engine mounts and came to rest in a wooded area just beyond the airfield.
Five Passengers Rushed to Hospital
Of the 15 passengers onboard, at least five were transported to local hospitals with injuries, officials confirmed. The Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management described the situation on Facebook as a “mass casualty incident”, prompting a large emergency response.
“It could have been much worse. Thankfully, all 15 people survived,” said a county official.
The conditions of the hospitalized passengers have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Plane Had Previous Incident in 2023
In a shocking revelation, CBS News reports that this same Cessna 208B was involved in another aviation incident just last year in Suffolk, Virginia. Details of that incident are still under review.
FAA and NTSB Launch Full Investigation
Investigators from the FAA and NTSB are currently on-site to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings point to possible pilot error or mechanical failure, but officials have stressed that it’s too early to draw conclusions.
Photos from the scene show the aircraft partially crumpled among trees, with rescue crews working to secure the area and assist survivors.
Passengers Shaken But Alive
The crash is sending shockwaves through the local skydiving community, which is now grappling with safety concerns.
“It’s a miracle no lives were lost. We’re all shaken,” said one eyewitness.
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