Small Plane crashes near Hospital

website ^ | 11/15/02 | WHEC TV 10

[Revelation 911]

A single engine Cessna plane crashed around 5:30 p.m. Thursday in a baseball field near Strong Hospital, approximately two miles from the Greater Rochester International Airport. Officials say the pilot was killed and was the only person on board the plane.

The Cessna crashed while approaching the Rochester airport at 5:35 p.m., said John Merklinger, supervisor at the Monroe County 911 Center. "We had a plane that reported engine trouble and it crashed short of the runway," Merklinger said. A number of emergency crews responded to the scene. The fire was quickly brought under control. No one on the ground was injured. The pilot’s name has not been released. Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson Arlene Salac said the plane departed Allegheny County Airport near Pittsburgh.

[Revelation 911]

point of interest being its proximity to the hospital - Pilot reported a power loss before crashing. This is a highly residential area and the pilot is a hero for averting any ground damage or injury. It was on final approach and within a very short distance of the field (1/2 mi)- prayers to the family and loved ones

[Revelation 911]

article say 2 mi - but it was much much closer to the field

[Prodigal Son]

Most recent terrorist threat warnings from FBI cover hospitals as targets.

[Revelation 911]

I had heard that - this doesnt appear as such though -

[Revelation 911]

FYI update - turns out the pilot was the father of a lovely 12 yr old who held affection for my son last year - they go to school together & I had met him last year. He'd been flying for about 20 yrs and had logged over 1000 flight hours.