A single-engine plane carrying five people crashed and caught fire in the parking lot of a retirement community near Lancaster Airport in Manheim Township, Pennsylvania, on Sunday afternoon. Despite the severity of the crash, all five individuals on board survived, according to officials.
The crash occurred around 3 p.m., just south of Lancaster Airport. Manheim Township Police Chief Duane Fisher stated that all five victims were transported to local hospitals, though their conditions remain unknown. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among residents or staff at the retirement community, and no one on the ground was harmed.
Eyewitness Brian Pipkin, who was driving nearby, saw the small plane climbing before it suddenly veered to the left and nose-dived. He described seeing an immediate fireball upon impact. Pipkin called 911 and drove to the crash site, where he recorded footage of thick black smoke rising from the wreckage. The crash ignited multiple vehicles in the parking lot of Brethren Village, a retirement community located about 75 miles west of Philadelphia. The aircraft came dangerously close to a three-story building but avoided direct impact.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, with a fire truck from the airport reaching the scene within minutes, followed by additional fire crews. Pipkin described the scene as extremely smoky and hot, making firefighting efforts challenging. A total of twelve parked cars were damaged, and Brethren Village residents were briefly asked to shelter in place as a precaution.
Authorities identified the aircraft as a Beechcraft Bonanza. Air traffic control audio revealed that the pilot had reported an issue with an open door and requested to return for landing. An air traffic controller cleared the plane to land and urged the pilot to pull up before the aircraft ultimately crashed near the terminal in the parking lot.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it will conduct an investigation into the incident. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated that state police are assisting local authorities and that all available Commonwealth resources will be utilized as the response continues.
The crash follows another aviation accident in Pennsylvania just a month ago when an air ambulance crashed on a Philadelphia street, resulting in seven fatalities.
