July 28, 2010 in City

Pilot hospitalized after crash at Felts Field

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Dan Pelle photo

Investigators and fire crews work the scene of a crash landing of a Lancair experimental aircraft Tuesday at Felts Field. The 71-year-old pilot was taken to a local hospital.
(Full-size photo)

A pilot was taken to the hospital Tuesday morning after his single-engine plane crash-landed on its belly short of the runway at Felts Field in northeast Spokane.

Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said the 71-year-old pilot, the only person on board, was stabilized in the aircraft before being taken out. His condition was not available Tuesday, and fire officials did not release his name.

The plane is a Lancair high-performance, experimental aircraft.

An eyewitness said he saw the crash scene while driving along Upriver Drive across the Spokane River shortly before 10 a.m.

Randy Walker said the plane came to rest on its belly at the western end of the runway.

Law enforcement and firefighters responded to the scene along with airport officials.

The plane apparently skidded a short distance in the grass in front of the runway before coming to rest at the edge of the runway pavement.

No other details were available.

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