Pilot Headed To An Air Show Was Making A Precautionary Landing

An AT-6C Texan with one person on board went down about 12:30 Friday in Roxbury, NY, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane but leaving the pilot with what were described as "non-life-threatening" injuries.

The Daily Star of Oneonta, NY reports that the pilot was James Leavelle of Mentor, OH. He said he was flying to an airport in New York for an air show when he attempted to make a precautionary landing in Roxbury because of severe weather. He reportedly landed short of the privately-owned turf runway.

Witnesses said Leavelle made at least one low pass over the airstrip before attempting the landing. The Roxbury Watershed Post reports that the AT-6C hit power lines and then impacted trees before coming to a stop. New York State Police spokesman Sgt. Gary Leahy said Leavelle had touched down on the grass, but was going too fast to stop before reaching the edge of the field. He was attempting to go around when he hit the power lines and trees.

Leavelle reportedly suffered a head injury. He was transported by helicopter to a nearby Bassett hospital.

FAA records indicated that the airplane was manufactured in 1943.

The paper reported Monday that the pilot had been released from the hospital.

(AT-6C Texans image from file. Not accident airplane)

FMI: www.ntsb.gov