Colleton County Fire-Rescue

10/16/2009

Stations 1, 19 and 27 responded to an airplane crash landing at the Lowcountry Regional Airport near Walterboro at 16:16, Friday 16-October. The 1974 Cessna Model 177RG experienced problems with its landing gear while attempting to land. Firefighters were initially told none of the landing gear was operating on the plane. The pilot was able to get the rear wheels down, however the nose gear failed to deploy. On arrival, fire-rescue units were able to communicate directly with the plane using the aircraft's frequency.  The pilot circled the Lowcountry Regional Airport for approximately 50 minutes to burn off fuel before making an emergency landing on Runway 5. Fire-Rescue units stood by on the taxiway until the craft was able to set down. The pilot made a perfect landing, gliding the plane in until the rear wheels were on the ground and gently dropped the nose of the craft onto the runway. The plane came skidding to a halt in a sea of sparks, but fortunately did not catch fire. Fire-Rescue units arrived seconds later to find the male and female occupants exiting the plane with no difficulty and both walked away from the craft without injury. Fire-Rescue units stood by until the plane was towed off of the runway and secured in a maintenance hangar. 

Engine 19, ARFF 19, Tender 19, Engine 1, Medic 19, Medic 27, Rescue 1, Battalion 1, Truck 11, Truck 12 and Truck 110 responded. Captain Scott Feather served as Incident Commander.