Plainville Police Department
We’re not sure what’s more ironic: crashing your plane in a town named Plainville, or doing so on 9/11. Either way, the irony is surely not lost on pilot Manfred Forst, who escaped the nearly horrific incident virtually unscathed. Then again, he’s probably more focused on the whole “lucky to be alive” aspect.
Pilot Is Lucky To Be Alive After Plane Crash
On Monday, authorities in Connecticut were alerted to a crash near Robertson Airport just before noon. At the time of the incident, it was being reported as an unscheduled landing caused by a fuel leak. And by the looks of it, it was most certainly not on the agenda for the day.
As you can see in the video above, which was later released by the Plainville Police Department, the wreck would have been much worse (and possibly fatal) if not for a rogue tree in the middle of the parking lot where Forst’s 1981 Cessna 172 crash-landed.
“I was very fortunate I got out of it without any real injuries,” the pilot told WVIT. “I’m just so thankful,” he continued.
No word yet whether or not Forst’s age was a factor in this near miss — he is 79 — but the FAA is currently reviewing the matter. One thing’s for sure, though: he had a big smooch ready for his wife after being released from Hospital of Central Connecticut with only minor injuries. Probably a few for the ground he was standing on, as well.
h/t Reddit
