An Ultralight Glider plane crashes into a building lot in Middlefield, Ohio. (Tricia Roman / November 1, 2009)
MIDDLEFIELD, Ohio -- The Chardon Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol confrims to Fox 8 News they responded to a glider crash on State Route 608 in Middlefield Township, around 3:57 p.m. on Sunday.
According to Sgt. George Biskup with OSHP, the glider and a tow aircraft had just taken off from the Geauga County Airport when a vibration was felt by the aircraft's crew. After reaching an approximate altitude of 150-200 feet, the tow aircraft released the tow line so the glider could return safely to the airport.
The glider -- an L-13 Silver Blanik -- lost control as it turned east back to the airport. It struck a utility pole before crashing into the parking lot of the Middlefield Farm and Garden Company.
The business was not open at the time of the crash, but one worker says she's thankful the crash was not worse. "I mean, there's been some injury, but it could have been so much worse. There's been very little damage, and I think God was looking out for everybody," says Sweeter Hodgins.
The pilot, 52-year-old David Nuss of Cortland, and passenger, 13-year-old Victoria Ponti of Eastlake, were injured in the crash, reports the OSHP.
Nuss was transported from the scene to Geauga County Hospital, then lifeflighted to MetroHealth Hospital. His condition is unknown at this time. Victoria Ponti was lifeflighted from the scene to Rainbow Babies & Childrens Hospital where she is listed in stable condition.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Middlefield Fire and Police Departments assisted at the scene. The FAA is expected to be on the scene Monday, for further investigation.
No other information is available at this time.
Stay with Fox 8 News, and FOX8.com for updates on this story as they become available.
According to Sgt. George Biskup with OSHP, the glider and a tow aircraft had just taken off from the Geauga County Airport when a vibration was felt by the aircraft's crew. After reaching an approximate altitude of 150-200 feet, the tow aircraft released the tow line so the glider could return safely to the airport.
The glider -- an L-13 Silver Blanik -- lost control as it turned east back to the airport. It struck a utility pole before crashing into the parking lot of the Middlefield Farm and Garden Company.
The business was not open at the time of the crash, but one worker says she's thankful the crash was not worse. "I mean, there's been some injury, but it could have been so much worse. There's been very little damage, and I think God was looking out for everybody," says Sweeter Hodgins.
The pilot, 52-year-old David Nuss of Cortland, and passenger, 13-year-old Victoria Ponti of Eastlake, were injured in the crash, reports the OSHP.
Nuss was transported from the scene to Geauga County Hospital, then lifeflighted to MetroHealth Hospital. His condition is unknown at this time. Victoria Ponti was lifeflighted from the scene to Rainbow Babies & Childrens Hospital where she is listed in stable condition.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Middlefield Fire and Police Departments assisted at the scene. The FAA is expected to be on the scene Monday, for further investigation.
No other information is available at this time.
Stay with Fox 8 News, and FOX8.com for updates on this story as they become available.
