A pilot and its passenger escaped with minor injuries after a plane crash that occurred on Friday, Nov. 6 at approximately 12:25 pm.
According to preliminary information, there was a report of an airplane crash at the Byron Airport with a plane on fire. However, after a pilot made an emergency landing, there was only smoke and no fire.
According to the county, the aircraft, which is based at the Byron Airport, had just departed Runway 23 and lost engine power. The pilot attempted to circle back and land in the opposite direction on Runway 5. However, due to high winds the aircraft veered off the runway and sustained damage to the landing gear. The pilot and passenger were not injured.
Airport Operations staff responded to the scene and also requested East County Fire and medical response to the accident. East County Fire was canceled once Airport Operations arrived on scene and determined they were not needed. However, medical responders continued to the scene to confirm the pilot and passenger were ok.
The active runway was closed for several hours waiting for FAA/NTSB clearance and the ultimate removal of the aircraft
