On Wednesday, a skydiving aircraft experienced engine trouble shortly after takeoff, resulting in a crash near Cross Keys Airport in southern New Jersey. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the single-engine Cessna 208B was carrying 15 individuals when it crashed around 5:30 p.m. The airport is located approximately 21 miles (34 kilometers) southeast of Philadelphia.
According to Andrew Halter from Gloucester County Emergency Management, the aircraft attempted to circle back for a landing but was unsuccessful. The crash led to a variety of injuries among the passengers, which ranged from minor to critical. Halter noted that some individuals were covered in jet fuel, requiring decontamination before they were transported to medical facilities.
Halter remarked, “Just the fact that we have 15 people that are still with us here today, some with minor injuries, I think is fantastic and remarkable.” Aerial footage of the scene depicted the wreckage located in the woods, accompanied by numerous pieces of debris and surrounded by emergency vehicles, including firetrucks.
Emergency services responded promptly, with three individuals evaluated at Cooper University Hospital’s trauma center in Camden, New Jersey. Additionally, eight others with less severe injuries were treated in the emergency department, while four other patients with minimal injuries awaited further assessment. Wendy A. Marano, a spokesperson for the hospital, indicated that specific details regarding the nature of the injuries could not be disclosed at that time.
The aircraft was identified as owned and operated by ARNE Aviation based in Virginia and was leased to Skydive Cross Keys. When approached for comments, representatives from Skydive Cross Keys did not immediately respond, and ARNE Aviation’s office manager, Tracey Sackett, suggested that inquiries be directed to the office the following day.
At Cross Keys Airport, a representative indicated that they were not in possession of any information and recommended that questions be directed to Skydive Cross Keys. The National Transportation Safety Board announced they would be investigating the crash.
In response to the incident, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy confirmed in a post on the social platform X that he had been briefed and noted that there had been “no fatalities at this time.” This incident underscores the risks associated with skydiving activities and the operational challenges aircraft may face during takeoff and landing.
