AKRON, Ohio — Two people were killed when a small plane crashed into an Ohio home and caused a fire, authorities said Thursday, May 14.
The Akron Fire Department said in a statement shared on Facebook that the small plane crashed in a residential area just southwest of the Akron-Fulton Airport. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. local time.
The FAA said in a statement that only two people were on board the Piper PA-28 when it crashed into the home. The Akron Fire Department confirmed that two people on board the plane died in the incident, the USA TODAY Network’s Akron Beacon Journal reported.
According to the Akron Fire Department, a house caught fire after the collision, and another house was also damaged. District Fire Chief Cielsie Rush told News 5 Cleveland that a couple and two children were inside the home at the time of the accident.
“They were very lucky to be safe because they were able to get out without any injuries,” Rush said in an interview with the television station.
Smoke from the scene was visible from downtown Akron, and first responders from multiple community and government agencies were called in, the Akron Beacon Journal reported. The scene was quickly sealed off and traffic was diverted away from the neighborhood.
Rush told News 5 Cleveland that firefighters were able to extinguish the house fire and remained on scene monitoring for “hot spots.” Later in the afternoon, an Ohio State Highway Patrol plane was seen flying over the scene, and a vehicle from the Summit County Coroner’s Office also arrived at the scene.
FAA, National Transportation Safety Board investigating accident
American Winds Aeronautical University, a flight school based at Akron-Fulton Airport, confirmed the crash occurred near the airport and said data shows the plane departed around 2:45 p.m. local time.
“We pray for the pilots, passengers, and their families,” the American Winds of Aeronautics University said in a Facebook post. “We want to let the American Winds staff, students, and families know that all flights are safe. Please keep everyone involved in your prayers.”
The Akron Fire Department said the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. The FAA also confirmed that the crash is being investigated by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation.
Neighboring residents describe the scene immediately after the crash as “the fire erupted in an instant.”
The plane crashed into a home in the Coventry Crossing development near Firestone Country Club, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. In an instant, the quiet neighborhood was thrown into chaos.
“I heard this huge thud,” said Canterbury Circle neighbor Jewel Ulrich. “Immediately, we all jumped out. We saw the plane hit the house. Immediately the fire started.”
She and her husband, Steve, ran with their neighbors to get everyone out of the house.
“That fire was instantaneous,” she said. “It was very hot. And I could see the tail of the plane right there. There was just a lot of fire.”
“His tail was just hanging out of the garage,” Steve said.
“One wing of the plane was on the ground between the houses,” Jewell explained.
Michael Phillips, who lives next door, was home with his family when the accident occurred. Phillips ran back inside and told his wife and daughter to leave.
“The lights flickered in our house,” he said. “The next thing I heard within five to eight seconds was a loud thump. I went outside and the house was on fire.”
