ARUNDEL — Law enforcement and fire personnel from multiple agencies descended on a field off Proctor Road in Arundel Tuesday to remove the wreckage of a plane that crash-landed there Friday night.
Members of the Arundel and Kennebunk fire departments, York County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Environmental Protection all arrived at the scene mid-morning to monitor the removal efforts, and to make sure the public didn’t wander too close to the wreckage.
“We’re doing that for public safety,” said Deputy Chris Roux of the York County Sheriff’s Office. “In case something happens, we want to keep people out of harm’s way.”
The plane’s remnants were removed by helicopter without incident.
Richard Whicker, a flight instructor from North Berwick, crash-landed the single-engine Cessna with student pilot William Hart of Lyman on Friday. Whicker and Hart were taken to Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford shortly thereafter, but only as a precaution; authorities said the two men escaped from the crash relatively unscathed, despite what the plane’s twisted wreckage might suggest.
The two had just left Biddeford Municipal Airport when, according to eyewitnesses, the plane’s engine began to sputter. They quickly turned around, with Whicker taking control of the plane and crash-landing in the woods when it became apparent the Cessna would not make it back to the airport.
Whicker was back to work at Southern Maine Aviation in Sanford Monday. While reluctant to speak about the ordeal, he did express gratitude that he and Hart were able to land safely.
“I’m just glad to be here, that’s all,” said Whicker.
The plane, which crashed through several trees on its descent, leaked fuel off the left wing the night of the landing.
“We mitigated the situation then, but the DEP is here just to make sure nothing else happens today,”said Captain Chris Aberle of the Arundel Fire Department.
The York County Sheriff’s Office and Arundel and Kennebunk fire departments were among the responders to Friday night’s crash, along with the Biddeford Fire Department.
— Staff Writer Jeff Lagasse can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 319 or jlagasse@journaltribune.com. Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells contributed to this story.
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