PORTAGE TOWNSHIP – An Indiana man walked away without injuries after the plane he was piloting crashed on Friday afternoon, according to The Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The Patrol is investigating the incident, which took place at approximately 1:31 p.m. at the Erie-Ottawa International Airport, Portage Township, Ottawa County.
According to authorities, Ernest Halter, 49, of Yorktown, Indiana was operating a 1990 Mooney M20J. He began his descent onto runway 27, and failed to lower his landing gear. After which, the underside of the plane struck the runway before sliding to a stop.
He suffered no injuries as a result of the crash.
Alcohol and/or drug use are not a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Erie-Ottawa International Airport staff, and Federal Aviation Administration.