Plane crashes into Portage River Saturday afternoon
OSHP: Pilot hit power lines during take-off
OTTAWA COUNTY, Ohio (WTVG) - OSHP troopers say they are investigating a two-person plane crash in Ottawa County that occurred Saturday afternoon after the pilot hit a power line during his initial ascent.
OSHP troopers reported the crash happening around 4:15 p.m. Saturday in the area of 4640 West Harbor Road in Erie Township. The plane crashed into the Portage River in Ottawa County and both men inside the plane were able to get out as it began to sink in the river and get to shore, OSHP said.
The pilot, a 72-year-old from Bonita Springs, Florida, and his 67-year-old passenger, from Perrysburg, were taken to a local hospital to be treated for minor injuries, troopers said. In a corrected press release, investigators said they do not believe that alcohol and/or drug use were factors in the crash.
Officials say an Ohio Edison high-voltage power line was knocked down in the crash, sending part of it into the river. Another landed across a cottage at The Resort at Erie Landing. Ohio Edison crews de-energized the power line. Rescue Marine was contacted and retrieved the plane from the Portage River.
The FAA and NTSB were called to the scene as well.
Editor’s Note: OSHP officials initially stated alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in the crash. OSHP no longer believes this to be a factor in the crash and the story above has been updated to reflect that information.
See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please include the title when you click here to report it.
Copyright 2023 WTVG. All rights reserved.
