Skydiving Plane with 15 Passengers Skids Off Runway at New Jersey Airport: What Happened?

A plane carrying 15 skydivers crashed near Cross Keys Airport in New Jersey, leaving several injured. The pilot reported engine issues as the Cessna 208B was taking off. Attempts to circle back for a safe landing failed, leading the aircraft to crash into nearby woods around 5:30 PM.

Passengers experienced injuries ranging from minor to severe. Many were affected by jet fuel and required decontamination before receiving medical care. Fourteen individuals were transported to local hospitals, including three in critical condition. Remarkably, there have been no reported fatalities—a fact noted by emergency management officials.

Video footage showed emergency responders transporting injured passengers on stretchers to waiting helicopters. Flight tracking data revealed the plane was descending rapidly before it lost signal, which raises questions about maintenance protocols and pilot training.

The aircraft belongs to a Virginia-based company and had a previous incident in 2023 when its nose gear collapsed during a landing due to a pilot error. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, and the crash site is being examined by local and federal authorities.

Officials confirmed that once the investigation wraps up, the aircraft will be removed, and the site will be cleaned. This incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with skydiving and the critical nature of aircraft maintenance and pilot readiness in ensuring safety.

According to the FAA, small aircraft accidents are uncommon, but they still require thorough investigations to mitigate future risks. As the investigation unfolds, insights into aviation safety may emerge, contributing to better practices in the aviation industry.



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