FAA Investigating Plane Crash at Tuscola Area Airport

Thankfully, no one was injured when a twin-engine 1969 Piper PA 30 crashed landed just after 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon while attempting to land at the Tuscola Area Airport in Caro.

Crash at Tuscola County Airport

According to Caro Fire Department Chief Randy Heckroth, two adults, two dogs, and a cat were aboard the airplane when it went down. The plane was experiencing landing gear issues, Heckroth said, which led to the  rough landing.

Landing Gear Issues Blamed

“Upon making contact with the ground, the plane crashed over one runway, through a ditch, and landed on a second runway,” Heckroth told local media.

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The crash caused major propeller damage along with additional damage to the landing gear and tail section. Despite crashing, the passengers and pets were safely removed from the plane.

Flight Path and Ownership

According to flight data, the aircraft departed Antrim County Airport in Bellaire at 11:57 a.m. and was en route to Rockingham County Airport in Reidsville, North Carolina. The plane is owned by Roedel Road Co. out of Kewadin.

READ MORE: Two Dead After Plane Crashes Into Storage Facility

Heckroth said dispatchers reported the airplane was “coming in low … over treetops” before it made its final approach. Emergency crews were already on standby thanks to Tuscola County dispatchers who relayed the call promptly.

Emergency Response and FAA Investigation

An Emergency Medical Response team evaluated both occupants of the plane along with their pets and confirmed there were no injuries.

Dick Pouliot, a member of the airport’s governing board, was also on scene as officials assessed the damage. Heckroth confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration was contacted immediately and an investigator was dispatched to the airport Tuesday afternoon. Heckroth thanked Tuscola County emergency dispatchers “who took the call and dispatched the fire department immediately to have us on standby/ready upon landing.”