HOWELL, Mich. – A pilot who was attempting to land a small plane Monday at an airport near Howell received minor injuries when the plane crashed into a nearby field.
Officials said the crash wasn't as bad as it looked in terms of injuries. One of the people responsible for helping was the mayor of Howell.
Motorists were shocked when a plane slid off a runway at the Livingston County Airport near Tooley Road, went through a security fence and across traffic and crashed into a field, bursting into flames. Several people raced to help, including the mayor.
In the aftermath of the crash, the scene showed flames and a flipped-over plane. Mayor Nick Proctor was one of multiple drivers who saw the crash and got out to help.
"I and two others ran to the fuselage, asking if anyone was inside," Proctor said. "I saw a hand waving from the pilot's window. The fuselage was upside-down. We went to the other side, opened the door and helped the gentleman out of the aircraft."
The Sheriff's Department said the flight had originated in New York. Only the pilot had been on board, and he miraculously only suffered minor injuries. He was taken to the University of Michigan hospital for treatment.
"He told me that he owned the plane and was coming in for a landing and skidded off the runway," Proctor said. "He indicated there were no reports of icy conditions on his approach."
The cleanup continues Monday evening, as does the investigation to determine if the crash was caused by weather conditions or pilot error.
Sign up for ClickOnDetroit breaking news alerts and email newsletters