Quick Action by Pilot, Firefighters, and Nearby Residents Prevents Tragedy
A small plane crashed near St. George Regional Airport on the Utah-Arizona border, bursting into flames shortly after all passengers escaped with only minor injuries. According to St. George Fire Chief Robert Stoker, the aircraft experienced altitude issues right after takeoff, leading to a rapid and controlled descent into a remote Arizona area.
Descent and Emergency Landing
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot realized the plane was struggling to gain altitude. Chief Stoker stated that the pilot directed the aircraft south, away from populated areas, and attempted to land in the Arizona desert. This decision likely prevented further casualties and damage to nearby residences. The pilot’s skill and quick thinking ensured the plane avoided neighborhoods and that the passengers reached the ground safely.
Immediate Escape and Fiery Explosion
After the plane touched down, passengers exited quickly, sensing the danger of a fire. Moments later, the engine caught fire, engulfing the plane. Witness Roger Leadingham, who was at a nearby dog park, observed the plane’s unusually low altitude. “The wings were teetering back and forth, and it was only 100 feet above the houses,” Leadingham recalled. He saw smoke rising from the desert shortly after, followed by the sounds of sirens.
Challenging Response in Rough Terrain
The crash site, about three miles from the Utah border in Arizona, presented a challenge for emergency responders. Firefighters accessed the scene using brush trucks, pickup trucks, and command vehicles. Nearby residents in the Desert Canyon subdivision also assisted by transporting first responders across the rugged terrain, providing crucial support until officials reached the crash site. Once there, firefighters found the plane fully engulfed in flames, but fortunately, the fire hadn’t spread to the surrounding brush.
Ongoing Investigation and Monitoring
The Mojave County Sheriff’s Department has taken charge of the investigation into the cause of the crash. Bureau of Land Management fire crews will remain on-site overnight to monitor the situation and prevent any flare-ups.
