Citabria Ran Off Runway At Aero-Andover Airport

A pilot flying a Citabria airplane at Aeroflex-Andover airport in Andover, NJ ran off the runway and went into a lake adjacent to the airport Monday morning.

According to a report on the Northjersey.com website, the 49-year-old pilot, who has not been identified, was able to extricate himself from the sinking airplane and swim towards shore. First responders used a rowboat to reach the pilot, and bring him to shore. He complained of neck and back injuries and was flown to a local hospital.

The airport sits between two lakes with the north end of runway 03/21 near Lake Aeroflex. A grass strip runs parallel to the paved runway. It was not reported whether the plane was landing at or departing the airport, but FAA records indicate that it is registered to United Aerial Advertising of Delaware, a banner-towing company.

The lakes are a popular fishing and kayaking spot, according to the report.

The plane was still in the lake at the time of the report. The owner of the plane is responsible for salvaging the aircraft, at which time an investigation into the cause of the accident will begin.

The airport is operated by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, and is located in the Kittatinny Valley State Park.

FMI: Original report