World War II-Era Plane Crashes at Terre Haute Airport

Authorities say the pilot of the plane was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital with minor injuries and a passenger was treated at the scene.

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — A World War II-era aircraft crashed while trying to land at Terre Haute Regional Airport Thursday afternoon.

Authorities say two people were on the plane with the pilot being airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital for minor injuries. The co-pilot was able to walk away from the crash.

The World War II-era Grumman TBM Avenger is considered unsalvageable. The aircraft was en route to a reunion event in Peru, Illinois with two other aircraft.

Lt. Justin Sears of the Terre Haute Police Department told reporters Thursday that emergency response teams were quick to respond after the call came in to airport authorities just before 2 p.m. of an aircraft crash.

“Fire personnel, airport personnel, they immediately provided aid,” said Lt. Sears. “We plan for incidents like this.”

Multiple agencies responded including the airport fire department and Terre Haute police and fire departments to quickly provide aid to those injured and limit the damage cause by the crash.

“We’re thankful that everybody was okay at this point and hopefully they have a full recovery,” Lt. Sears said.

The airport had temporarily closed but one runway later re-opened.

The FAA is now leading the investigation with assistance from authorities.

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