Watch CBS News

Pilot Injured After Plane Hit Power Lines, Crashed

PINCONNING TWP. (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say a pilot was injured after a small plane apparently hit power lines and crashed near the runway of an airport in the Pinconning area.

The crash happened around 7:15 p.m. Wednesday in Bay County's Pinconning Township, near Gross Airport. Michigan State Police say the Piper PA22-150 aircraft crashed on the grass about 100 yards northwest of the runway.

McLaren-Bay Region spokesman Kurt Miller says Gerald W. Pergande, an Essexville attorney, was in serious condition Thursday at the hospital.

An employee at the airport told the Saginaw News that the pilot told him the sun had interfered with his vision as the plane approached the airport.

Police say Pergande was flying from James Clements Municipal Airport in the Bay City area. The crash is under investigation.

TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.