Venture Jets Board Member Matt White Revealed as Pilot in Lancaster County Plane Crash: Key Details Inside

MANHEIM TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A small plane crashed into the parking lot of a retirement community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, around 3 p.m. on Sunday. Five people were on board the Beechcraft Bonanza as it took off and shortly after encountered trouble.

Fortunately, all five passengers were taken to local hospitals, but no one on the ground was injured. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board.

The aircraft was privately owned and intended for family travel. Matt White, a board member of Venture Jets, was piloting the plane during the flight. Venture Jets released a statement confirming that the flight was personal and not connected to their operations.

Just moments into the flight, White alerted air traffic control that one of the plane’s doors was open. Control advised him to return, but moments later, further communication instructed him to “pull up.” Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed shortly after.

The plane skidded approximately 100 feet upon hitting the ground. Emergency teams were ready at Lancaster General Hospital, where all five passengers were treated. Two remain hospitalized with burns, and it’s unclear if White is among them.

Duane Fisher, Chief of Police for Manheim Township, expressed relief that no one on the ground was harmed, calling it a fortunate outcome for a crash. However, twelve cars were damaged due to the incident.

Witnesses shared photos of flames and smoke rising from the crash site in Lititz, highlighting the severity of the situation.

In a statement on social media, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro mentioned that state resources are helping local first responders as the investigation continues. A preliminary report on the crash is expected in about 30 days.

This incident follows another tragic accident last month, where seven lives were lost when an air ambulance crashed in Philadelphia.