Had Been Participating In CAF Flyovers Of Holiday Events

A Fairchild PT-23A that had been participating in flyovers of Memorial Day events in Wichita, KS was damaged during an off-airport emergency landing near the city's Westport Airport Monday afternoon.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the airplane had been taking part in flyovers with the Commemorative Air Force and was en route to the airport when it experience an engine failure, according to police sergeant Kelly O'Brien. The pilot, identified by the Kansas Highway Patrol as William F. Roberts II of Mulvane, KS attempted to land on the north side of Pawnee, KS. The airport is located on the south side of Pawnee.

O'Brien that that the wing of the airplane touched the ground and clipped at least one pole. Both the pilot and a female passenger sustained minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to the KHP report, the aircraft ran out of fuel approaching the runway at Westport Airport. Roberts attempted to restart the engine, but it failed to start and plane crashed leading up to the runway.

"Thankfully they missed the fueling vessels that are over there and there was no fire with the plane or anything else," O'Brien said.

(Image from YouTube video uploaded by the Associated Press)

FMI: Original Report