Small plane makes belly landing at Chatham Airport

ch022716c
CHATHAM
– Chatham Police report that on Saturday at approximately 12:47 p.m., Chatham Police and Chatham Fire Rescue were called to the Chatham Municipal Airport, 240 George Ryder Road, for a reported aircraft off the runway. Units arrived and located a 1962 Mooney fixed wing single engine (Model M20C) which landed on runway 24, with its landing gear still retracted. The aircraft performed a “belly-landing” and the aircraft suffered minor damage.

The aircraft is owned by BB Air Inc., of Sandwich, MA and was piloted by, Jonathan Finch,  71, of Sandwich. Mr. Finch, a FAA Licensed Private Pilot, was uninjured. A 72-year-old male passenger in the plane was also uninjured..

Officials advised the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission (MAC). Chatham airport was temporarily closed until the aircraft was removed. Weather conditions at the airport at the time of this incident were clear and cold, with winds gusting 6-10 mph. Visibility was approximately 10 miles. There was no damage to runway 24. The aircraft was removed by Chatham Airport staff and normal airport operations and air traffic resumed at approximately 2:33 p.m. The incident information has been forwarded to the FAA and MAC for further investigation. Preliminary reports may indicate possible pilot error.

Media release and photo courtesy of Chatham Police (click to enlarge)

Speak Your Mind

*



CapeCod.com
737 West Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Contact Us | Advertise Terms of Use 
Employment and EEO | Privacy