WAUWATOSA, Wis. — A small plane crashed into the yard of a home in Wauwatosa Thursday afternoon and the flying student who was piloting the plane is now suffering from critical injuries, police confirmed.
WATCH: New video shows man trying to save downed pilot in Wauwatosa
The Wauwatosa Fire Department first reported the plane crashed at 103rd and Courtland. Police confirmed Friday the pilot is a flying student.
Police Chief James MacGillis said during a press briefing that the single occupant, a 18-year-old man, was brought to the hospital with critical injuries. No other injuries were reported.
WATCH: Chief releases more details about the crash
Crews extricated the man from the wrecked plane and brought him to the hospital.
The chief said that the pilot was taking off from Timmerman Airport at Appleton and 91st before the plane crashed.
Wauwatosa police is the lead agency for the investigation, assisted by local agencies.
WATCH: This is the plane that crashed into the yard
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport officials tell us they are aware of a small private plane that made an "off airport landing" in that area. They add that nearby Timmerman Airport closed to arriving and departing aircraft. But the small airport has since reopened following an inspection of the airfield.
The Federal Aviation Administration reports the crashed small plane is aCessna 152registered to Spring Green Aviation East in Oconomowoc. That is a flight school company.
Radio traffic between the pilot and Timmerman Airport reveal mechanical trouble prior to the crash. At about 2:55 p.m. the pilot radios the tower: “Reporting engine failure. It’s not working.”
There's some cross-talk followed by this from the pilot: “I don’t know what to do.”
WATCH: Video from the scene of the crash
Wauwatosa police tweetedthat residents should avoid the area as emergency crews secure and investigate the scene. North 103 Street is closed between West Glendale Avenue and West Hampton Avenue, police said.
The plane landed in Rashad Hicks' backyard as he was preparing to mow his lawn.
“My wife looked out the window and said ‘It’s a plane in the backyard.’ I kind of didn’t believe that. It was kind of far-fetched until I went outside and it was a plane in the backyard," he said.
Other residents saw people springing into action.
“I heard a plane, silence for a few seconds and a large thud," said Alex Ann Davis.
“They pulled the pilot out from under the aircraft, put him on a stretcher and took him away," Bob Dietlmeier added.
By 7:30 p.m., police say the area of 103rd and Courtland had reopened.
Rashad Hicks was getting ready to mow his lawn when a plane came crashing into his back yard. He could’ve been home when the plane came down. pic.twitter.com/dFZHfjnmAP
— Tony Atkins (@TonyAtkinsTV) May 26, 2022
From Tosa Police Chief Macgillis: single occupant in plane, believed to be 18 y/o male. Still determining who person is. He was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. Indication of distress before plane went down. Police believe he was taking off. @tmj4 pic.twitter.com/wPMe6HAPZf
— Bruce Harrison (@BruceHarrisonTV) May 26, 2022
