Pilot Seriously Injured After Plane Crashes Feet From Family’s Propane Tank

A Washington family was home Sunday evening when a small plane came crashing down into their backyard, barely missing the house and landing mere feet from a large propane tank.

The pilot, who was alone in the aircraft, survived the Sept. 6 crash in Lake Stevens but suffered serious injuries. He was trapped in the wreckage as neighbors rushed outside to help.

According to a Sept. 6 Snohomish County Fire District 22 post, crews were called around 6:05 p.m. to the 11000 block of 127th Avenue NE. A Getchell Fire chief who was already nearby on an unrelated medical call diverted to the crash.

Before additional firefighters could arrive, nearby residents were already administering first aid. Snohomish County Fire District 22 later credited their quick response with helping give the pilot “the best possible outcome,” as stated in a Sept. 6 Facebook post by Snohomish County Fire District #22.

The Plane Came Down Just Feet From a Propane Tank

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Cecilio Martinez was inside the home with his wife and two young nieces when the plane crashed into his yard, he told KIRO 7.

“It all happened so quick,” Martinez told KIRO 7. He estimated one of the plane’s wings came to rest no more than about eight feet from the propane tank.

Martinez checked on his family before running toward the wreckage. He initially feared the pilot had died from the impact but saw that he was moving and bleeding heavily, according to KIRO 7.

Other neighbors joined him. Martinez said one person checked the pilot’s pulse while he put pressure on a wound, and others tried to provide additional help until emergency crews could take over.

Snohomish County Fire District 22 said additional crews freed the pilot from the wreckage and transported him to an area trauma center.

Investigators Are Looking at What Happened

Witnesses said they had been watching the plane perform maneuvers before the crash. Neighbor Adam Kretowicz said he heard the engine go to idle during what he described to KIRO 7 as the aircraft’s final maneuver.

That account is only an eyewitness observation. Officials have not determined what caused the plane to crash.

The NTSB has opened an investigation into the crash. Under the agency’s usual general aviation investigation process, a preliminary report typically becomes available within weeks, while a final report can take roughly 18 to 24 months.

Almost as striking as the crash itself was how quickly the neighborhood sprang into action. “I think, in general, the whole community here did a great job with that,” he told KIRO 7. “I think he is very lucky to be alive.”