On Wednesday evening, a skydiving flight at Cross Keys Airport in New Jersey ended in a tense moment when the Cessna 208B carrying 15 people skidded off the runway. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the small aircraft went off the end of the tarmac just after takeoff.
Emergency crews arrived swiftly, and at least five passengers were rushed to a nearby hospital. Officials report their injuries are non-life-threatening, while the rest of the group walked away unscathed.
The FAA has opened an investigation, collecting flight data and interviewing the pilot and passengers. Runway excursions can result from a mix of factors—ranging from sudden weather shifts to technical glitches—making the probe crucial for future safety improvements.
For young travelers and thrill-seekers eyeing skydiving adventures, this incident serves as a reminder: always review an operator's safety record, check maintenance logs, and stay updated on local weather conditions before you fly.
As the aviation community awaits the FAA's findings, the focus remains on bolstering protocols to keep skydiving one of the safest extreme sports around.
Reference(s):
At least 5 taken to hospital after plane goes off New Jersey runway
cgtn.com
