Pilot Injured In Middlesboro Plane Crash

Police in southeastern Kentucky say a pilot was injured when his small plane crashed after apparently encountering a problem just after takeoff.

Middlesboro police say the pilot suffered serious injuries but was conscious and able to talk to responders at the scene. He was flown to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

The pilot’s name hasn’t been released.

Police said the plane apparently took off from the Middlesboro-Bell County airport bound for Texas.

A news release from police said a problem developed just after takeoff and the plane turned to land, but the pilot lost control upon approach.

The release said a wing hit the runway, causing the plane to veer off and catch fire around 1 p.m. EDT Saturday.

Federal investigators were expected to arrive Saturday.

The airport will be closed until the Federal Aviation Administration releases it.