TUSAYAN, AZ — Emergency crews were called to a small plane crash Friday morning in Tusayan, near the Grand Canyon National Park.
Officials say the single-engine Cessna Caravan made an emergency landing two miles north of the Grand Canyon Airport. The plane had departed from the airport and was planning to return when it went down.
Coconino County Sheriff's Office says they responded to the call at around 10:56 a.m. and found the plane upside down with one occupant, the pilot 24-year-old Andrew Dutzy.
Officials say Dutzy is an employee of Paragon Skydiving company at the Grand Canyon Airport.
Investigators say Dutzy told officials he was heading back to the airport, and when he attempted to make a left turn the engine failed.
He then attempted to make an emergency landing and struck a light pole with the right wing. The plane then flipped and crashed.
The pilot was treated on scene by Tusayan Fire Department and flown to a hospital for neck and back injuries.
Both of the northbound and southbound lanes south of the South Entrance Station on Highway 64 were closed.
The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
⚠️Traffic Alert: SR-64 is closed in both directions at milepost 236 (south of Grand Canyon Village) due to a *plane* crash. The pilot was the only person on board & injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. Coconino Co. Sheriff's Office is investigating. #AZTroopers pic.twitter.com/1Lb1rzT88G
— Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) August 28, 2020