BREAKING: A pilot was airlifted to a hospital with severe injuries following a dramatic ultralight plane crash in Escalante, Utah on Friday, October 13, 2023. The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. shortly after the pilot took off from the local airport.
According to Wade Mathews of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, the pilot’s ultralight plane crashed on the east end of the airport shortly after takeoff. The pilot suffered multiple injuries, including fractures to both legs and one arm, necessitating urgent medical attention.
The pilot was swiftly airlifted to St. George Regional Hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet released the pilot’s identity as they continue to gather details surrounding the crash.
- Ultralight planes are not regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, which means there will be no investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
This incident raises significant concerns about safety protocols related to ultralight aircraft, especially given their increasing popularity. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise just before the crash, highlighting the urgent need for awareness surrounding these aircraft.
As developments unfold, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is expected to provide further updates on the pilot’s condition and potential safety measures in the future.
Stay tuned for the latest information on this developing story.
