A small plane crashed in a Pennsylvania retirement community parking lot, and air traffic control audio captured the pilot’s distress call moments before impact.
Emergency crews responded on Sunday, March 9, after a plane crashed in the parking lot of Brethren Village, a retirement community in Manheim Township. The impact damaged multiple vehicles and sparked a fire, but firefighters quickly extinguished the flames.
Manheim Township Fire Chief Scott Little shared details alongside local officials. “The five passengers were the only individuals to sustain injuries and were transported for medical treatment. No individuals on the ground were injured. Additionally, there were no deaths,” officials stated in a press release shared on Facebook.
Newly released air traffic control audio revealed that the pilot reported an open door causing loud wind noise, making communication difficult before the crash. Shortly after, an air traffic controller was heard saying, “Pull up. Rescue 1, Lancaster Tower. The aircraft is down just behind the terminal in the parking lot tree area.”
Authorities confirmed that while no buildings were structurally damaged, several cars were affected. Lancaster County’s Department of Public Safety assisted at the scene as officials transitioned into the Recovery and Investigation Phase. Federal agencies are now leading the investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro acknowledged the response efforts, stating on X, “Our team at @PAStatePolice is on the ground assisting local first responders following the small private plane crash near Lancaster Airport in Manheim Township. All Commonwealth resources are available as the response continues, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.”
