Local News
Pilot unhurt after crash landing at AP airport
Staff report
Published: October 6, 2012
AVON PARK - A single-engine, two-seater aircraft made a crash landing at Avon Park Municipal Airport Saturday morning and the pilot walked away unharmed. He was the only person onboard.Published: October 6, 2012
According to the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, the plane left Lantana in Palm Beach County to fly to Avon Park for annual maintenance. Shortly after takeoff the pilot noticed that the craft couldn't get up to speed and he could not retract or lower the landing gear.
As the aircraft continued to Avon Park, the pilot continued to try to fix the problem but was unsuccessful, according to the sheriff's office.
Once at Avon Park, the pilot flew circles around the airfield to use up excess fuel before bringing it in for an emergency landing. The landing gear still wouldn't lower, but the pilot was able to bring the plane to a stop and exit the aircraft without injury.
No information was available on the pilot's name or the make of the aircraft.