A skydiving plane carrying 15 individuals crashed at Cross Keys Airport in New Jersey on Wednesday evening, leading to several injuries. The aircraft, a Cessna 208B, encountered engine issues shortly after takeoff around 5.30 PM local time and subsequently veered off the runway. Despite the pilot’s attempts to circle back for a landing, the manoeuvre was unsuccessful, according to Andrew Halter from the Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management.
Injuries among the passengers ranged from minor to critical, with many being treated for exposure to jet fuel before being transported to local hospitals. Fourteen passengers were hospitalised, three of whom were evacuated via helicopter in critical condition. Remarkably, there have been no reported fatalities, which Halter described as “fantastic and remarkable,” considering the circumstances.
Footage captured by a helicopter from CNN affiliate WPVI documented the emergency response, showing stretchers being brought out of the wooded area where the plane came to rest. Flight data indicated that the aircraft was descending sharply at a rate of 3008 feet per minute prior to losing tracking.
The plane is owned by a Virginia company, currently leased to a skydiving centre in Monroe Township. Records show this aircraft was previously involved in a 2023 incident where its nose gear collapsed during landing due to pilot error. The latest crash resulted in significant damage, and investigations are ongoing to ascertain the precise cause.
Authorities, including the Monroe Township Police Department, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are collaborating on the inquiry. Once completed, plans will be made to remove the aircraft and remediate any ground contaminants at the site.