Plane crashes into trees in North Hampton, pilot climbs out

Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover, NH)

June 26--NORTH HAMPTON -- After experiencing engine problems during a takeoff from the Hampton Airfield, a pilot crashed into trees Friday evening, but walked away unharmed, according to the North Hampton fire chief.

The pilot, the only occupant in the ultralight plane, was able to exit the plane and climb part way down the tree. With the use of the ladder truck, fire responders were able to help him down the rest of the way, said Fire Chief Michael Tully.

"He was happy to get back on the ground," Tully said.

The pilot had taken off from an airstrip in Kensington and flew to the Hampton Airfield, Tully said. The pilot only stayed at the airfield briefly before attempting to return to Kensington.

Tully said after experiencing engine problems, the pilot, whose name was not released, attempted to get above the trees in an effort to turn around and return to the airfield. He landed in a tree on private property on Mill Road just south of the runway, Tully said.

The crash occurred at approximately at 8:20 p.m. Tully said multiple area residents called 911. North Hampton fire and police departments responded. Officials notified the New Hampshire State Police, who notified the Federal Aviation Administration and the N.H. Division of Aeronautics, Tully said. None of the other agencies responded since there were not any injuries, Tully said.

The plane remains in the tree, and Tully said it probably will be removed sometime this weekend after insurance companies decide the best approach to removing it.

"It looks like it's in good condition," said Tully of the plane.

This is the second plane crash at the Hampton Airfield in the past two weeks and third in the past year. On June 14, a pilot and passenger were seriously injured after their plane crashed soon after takeoff. Last September, a pilot and passenger died shortly after takeoff when their plane crashed into a stand of trees.

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