Harrison Ford Injured In Off-Airport Landing
Actor and pilot Harrison Ford was hospitalized Thursday when the Ryan PT-22 he was flying landed in a golf course after departing Santa Monica Airport. The Los Angeles Fire Department did not officially identify the pilot at a news conference, but various media outlets are reporting that Ford, 72, was at the controls and was conscious after the mishap.
Actor and pilot Harrison Ford was hospitalized Thursday when the Ryan PT-22 he was flying landed in a golf course after departing Santa Monica Airport. CNN reported his son, Ben Ford, tweeted that his father is stable:"At the hospital. Dad is ok. Battered, but ok!" The incident prompted world-wide reaction and EAA Chairman Jack Pelton suggested the unplanned but relatively successful arrival on the golf course was the result of some good airmanship. "His flying experience and proficiency served him well today," Pelton said in a statement.
A satellite image of Santa Monica Airport shows the crash site, Penmar Golf Course in Venice, lies southwest of the field and is the only open spot in the area.The PT-22, a 1940s-era military trainer, was on the ground pointed toward the field, indicating Ford likely departed Runway 21 and turned back, then went for the grass of the golf course. He haddeparted the fieldshortly before 2:30 p.m. when he reported mechanical problems to ATC and asked to return, CNN reported. The aircraft ended up on its belly, skidding to a stop on the golf course and tearing off the nose.
