Two men were rescued from the wreckage of a small plane in Palmetto, Florida, on Tuesday morning after the aircraft crashed into an unoccupied pickup truck. The incident occurred at the Manatee County Airport shortly after takeoff, according to local authorities.
Manatee County deputies responded to the scene at 14108 U.S. 41, shortly before 10 a.m. Witnesses reported that the vintage, single-engine Aeronca Champ experienced a mechanical problem shortly after liftoff. The plane veered to the left, clipped a power line, and crashed into a parked pickup truck.
North River Fire Rescue personnel worked to free 70-year-old John Sikirica from the wreckage. Sikirica, who was in the front seat, sustained visible injuries. 86-year-old Allen Maxwell, the other occupant, managed to exit the plane from the rear.
Both men were airlifted to local hospitals with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. No other injuries were reported.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.
The Manatee County Airport, a privately owned facility, offers services including flight instruction, fuel, hangar rental, and aircraft repair and rental, according to its website.
