Emergency crews responded to a single engine plane crash at the Marion County Regional Airport outside of Flippin Thursday evening.
According to Marion County Office of Emergency Management Director Melissa Penn, the aircraft had just taken off around 5:15 when the pilot reported engine trouble and attempted to turn back to the runway. The plane crashed inside the airport fencing area.
Penn says the pilot, who was the only person on board, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Baxter Health in Mountain Home for treatment. The Flippin Fire Department extricated the pilot from the aircraft.
There was no fire reported at the scene, though Penn noted that risk is always a concern with any aircraft incident.
Responding agencies included the Flippin Fire Department, Fairview Fire Department, Rea Valley Fire Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Flippin Police Department, Arkansas State Police, and Marion County OEM.
The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and is expected to investigate the cause of the crash.
Penn commended local responders for their quick and coordinated response, saying their efforts ensured the pilot’s safety.
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