Fifteen people were hospitalized after a skydiving aircraft crashed during an attempted emergency landing near a southern New Jersey airport on Wednesday evening, authorities confirmed.
The single-engine Cessna 208B, carrying 15 individuals, went down around 5:30 p.m. at Cross Keys Airport in Gloucester County, roughly 21 miles southeast of Philadelphia, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Emergency officials say the pilot reported engine trouble shortly after takeoff and attempted to return to the airport but failed to land safely.
“The plane did try to circle back and attempt a landing, we are told, but was unsuccessful in that attempt,” said Andrew Halter of Gloucester County Emergency Management during a Wednesday night press conference.
Injuries Range from Minor to Critical
All 15 occupants survived the crash, though their injuries varied from minor to critical, Halter said. Several passengers were doused in jet fuel and required decontamination before being transported to hospitals.
“Just the fact that we have 15 people that are still with us here today, some with minor injuries, I think is fantastic and remarkable,” Halter noted.
Aerial footage showed the damaged aircraft resting in a wooded area beyond the runway, surrounded by scattered debris. Multiple emergency vehicles, including firetrucks, responded to the scene.
Hospital Response
Cooper University Hospital in Camden treated at least 11 of the injured, according to spokesperson Wendy A. Marano. Three were being evaluated at the trauma center, while eight others with less serious injuries were seen in the emergency department. Four additional patients with minimal injuries were awaiting further assessment.
Hospital EMS and trauma teams were also dispatched to the crash site to assist.
Aircraft Ownership and Investigation
The aircraft is owned and operated by ARNE Aviation, based in Virginia, and was leased to Skydive Cross Keys, Halter confirmed. ARNE Aviation declined to comment, while Skydive Cross Keys has not responded to media inquiries.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it is launching an investigation into the crash. The FAA is also expected to participate in the probe.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he had been briefed on the incident and confirmed there were “no fatalities at this time.”
