Five Hospitalized After Plane Crashes Shortly After Takeoff in Pennsylvania

On March 9, 2025, a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza with five people on board crashed into the parking lot of the Brethren Village Retirement Community in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The accident happened not long after the plane took off from Lancaster Airport. A large accident occurred at 3 p.m., resulting in a fire and dense black smoke rising into the air.

All five occupants survived the crash and were transported to local hospitals; however, their current conditions have not been disclosed. Remarkably, there were no injuries reported on the ground, and no buildings were struck. The crash did result in damage to at least a dozen vehicles in the parking lot.

Before the crash, air traffic control audio revealed that the pilot reported an open door and expressed the need to return for landing. Shortly after, the plane crashed, sliding nearly 100 feet as it hit the ground.

Emergency personnel responded immediately to extinguish the fire. People in the elderly community were advised to temporarily remain out of harm’s way.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating what occurred to determine what went wrong.

Our team at @PAStatePolice is on the ground assisting local first responders following the small private plane crash near Lancaster Airport in Manheim Township.

All Commonwealth resources are available as the response continues, and more information will be provided as it…

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) March 9, 2025

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said state resources are helping local first responders with the continuous response.

Among the few recent aviation mishaps in the region are a fatal jet crash in January and an aircraft collision with a helicopter in February. These events have raised people’s worries about the security of air travel.