URGENT UPDATE: A pilot has sustained severe injuries following an ultralight plane crash in Escalante, Utah early Friday afternoon. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. shortly after takeoff from the Escalante Airport, according to officials.
Eyewitness reports confirm that the ultralight aircraft went down on the east end of the airport just moments after becoming airborne. Authorities from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, led by spokesperson Wade Mathews, confirmed that the pilot suffered multiple fractures, including both legs and one arm.
The pilot was quickly airlifted to St. George Regional Hospital for urgent medical treatment. As of now, the sheriff’s office has not released the pilot’s identity, citing ongoing privacy concerns.
Significantly, ultralight aircraft are not regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, meaning there will be no official investigation from the National Transportation Safety Board regarding this crash. This lack of oversight raises questions about safety protocols for ultralight flying in the area.
Authorities are urging the public to stay clear of the crash site as they continue to gather information. This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with ultralight aviation, which remains a popular yet perilous pursuit for many enthusiasts across the country.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more details emerge. The community is rallying around the pilot, hoping for a swift recovery following this tragic event.
