Small plane flips after landing at Auburn airport; pilot OK

A small airplane went off the asphalt runway and flipped over after landing, slightly injuring its elderly pilot, at the Auburn Municipal Airport on Wednesday afternoon.

A small airplane went off the asphalt runway and flipped over after landing, slightly injuring its elderly pilot, at the Auburn Municipal Airport on Wednesday afternoon.

Air traffic was shut down temporarily while the plane – a small fixed-wing, 1936 model SR8 – was removed from the runway. The plane mishap occurred at approximately 2 p.m.

The plane was leaking fuel as crews removed it.

According to Jamelle Garcia, airport manger, operations resumed after air traffic was delayed for approximately two hours. A Class C tow truck was brought in to right the plane before the FAA released the aircraft.

Valley Regional Fire Authority crews secured the fuel leak and had the craft removed from the runway.

A VRFA fire engine and aid car were called to the scene after an airport employee witnessed the crash and called 911.

The pilot was treated for minor injuries and was taken to Auburn Regional Medical Center via a private vehicle.

The Auburn Police Department was assisting the FAA in investigating the crash.

The airport, one of the busiest municipal strips in the region, supports more than 275 based aircrafts with tie-downs and hangars available for extended and short-term stays.