The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash of a Cessna 172 at Lakewood Township Municipal Airport on Thursday. The small plane, registered as N12194, crashed into trees approximately 350 feet short of the runway, an NTSB official said Friday.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that three people were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash, all of whom sustained injuries. This update corrected earlier reports from Lakewood police, who initially said four people were involved.
The aircraft was owned by a local Lakewood resident, who was flying the plane at the time of the crash, along with his wife and child. His wife was hospitalized with moderate injuries and has since been released home. The pilot and child involved in the crash were unhurt.
The Cessna departed Lakewood Airport at 3:18 p.m. and was airborne for 34 minutes before the crash, according to flight tracking data from FlightAware.
The NTSB will transport the aircraft to a secure facility for further examination. Investigators will review flight data, air traffic communications, maintenance records, and any available video or electronic devices. A preliminary report is expected in January, while the final report, including the cause of the crash, may take up to a year.
No preliminary action report will be issued as per the NTSB.
* preliminary accident report
So that all are informed. These small single engine planes operate on leaded gasoline. Every time they fly over us, they spew lead. This lead is extremely dangerous to our children and to our elders.