Five Killed When Plane Carrying Skydivers Crashes In Rhode Island

A single-engine plane carrying skydivers crashed during takeoff, killing five people and critically injuring one other Saturday.

The Cessna Skylane Model 182 reached about 200 feet off the ground before it tilted left about 90 degrees and crashed into trees by the runway, said John Roan, a flight instructor at the North Central State Airport.

“The engine was full throttle, then all of a sudden I didn’t hear anything. The engine just quit. It died,” said Chris Rossi, an airport maintenance worker who saw the crash.

Four people were declared dead shortly after the 5 p.m. crash, state police said. Two men in their 20s were flown to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment, hospital spokesman Rick Piester said.

A fifth victim died later Saturday at the hospital. The surviving passenger was in critical condition late Saturday.

Several firefighters received minor injuries in two explosions at the scene.