A small aircraft transporting four individuals back from witnessing the solar eclipse in Arkansas crashed less than two minutes into its return journey, the New York Post reported.
The crash prompted emergency response efforts to airlift the injured occupants to a nearby hospital.
A Twin Navion aircraft, utilized for the eclipse-viewing excursion, departed from Clarksville Municipal Airport in western Arkansas, aiming to return the passengers home. However, the journey abruptly ended in a wooded area near the airport, leaving all four passengers injured.
Jim Looney, the longtime manager of Clarksville Municipal Airport, recounted the events to the Post, stating that the aircraft, unfamiliar to the area, had landed specifically for the celestial event. The group had joined numerous others in Clarksville, which experienced a surge in visitors due to its optimal eclipse-viewing location.
While the cause of the crash remains uncertain, initial speculation suggests a potential engine failure. Looney, also a member of the local fire department, aided in rescuing the occupants, who remained conscious upon his arrival.
Johnson County Sheriff Tom Hughes confirmed the injuries sustained by the passengers but lacked information regarding the plane's intended destination.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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