March 29, 2024

Jefferson man released from hospital after plane crash northwest of Greenfield

Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater shared via press release this afternoon that Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 7:10 a.m., his office received a cellular 911 telephone call reporting that an adult male had walked to the caller's residence stating that he had been in a plane crash.

First responders from Fontanelle Fire and Rescue, Fontanelle Police and the Adair County Sheriff responded to the area approximately 1 mile northwest of Greenfield.

The operator of the 1966 Piper Cherokee 140 aircraft was identified as 59-year old Eric William Crystal of Jefferson. Chrystal was transported to the Adair County Memorial Hospital in Greenfield with suspected minor injuries and was later released.

The plane crashed into a cornfield, coming to rest on its top. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

The Adair County Sheriff's Office is assisting the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board with their investigation.