2 injured after plane loses power, crashes behind home in Athens

ATHENS, Ga. — A pilot and passenger were injured after a plane crashed behind a home in Athens Thursday afternoon.

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The crash occurred just after 1:30 p.m.

According to a news release, Athens-Clarke County dispatchers received reports of a plane that crashed around Shoal Creek Drive near Athens-Ben Epps Airport.

Multiple law enforcement agencies and first responders’ crews responded to the call.

The plane, a Piper PA-24-260 Comanche, had just taken off from Athens-Ben Epps Airport and allegedly was in distress after losing power.

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Officials say the pilot tried to return to the airport but was unable.

The plane crashed behind a home in a wooded area. The passengers were able to crawl out of the aircraft, the release states.

Athens-Clarke authorities say the pilot of the aircraft was able to contact officials by phone to let them know the plane had crashed.

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Firefighters at the scene disconnected the power to the plane and used firefighting foam to mitigate vapors from the small amount of fuel that had leaked from a ruptured fuel tank, the release states.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

According to officials, the pilot and passenger were able to walk away with minor injuries.

The pilot and passenger have not been identified.

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