Iowa Department of Public Safety
Larry L. Noble, Commissioner
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Colonel Patrick J. Hoye, Chief

State Patrol Responds to Plane Crash near Salem, IA

Salem, IOWA --- Federal aviation officials are en route to Salem, Iowa after a mid-morning plane crash.

At approximately 10:00 AM law enforcement received a call from a witness who saw a plane crash in a corn field, one half mile west of Salem, Iowa.  Upon arrival, Troopers found a small, single engine plane had crash landed.  The pilot, Gary Kirby from McKinney, Texas, was removed from the wreckage and transported to the Henry County Health Center for treatment.  He was later taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

Upon further investigation, Troopers determined that Kirby was traveling from Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  About 15 miles outside of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa Kirby began experiencing engine problems.  He was attempting to safely reach the Mt. Pleasant Airport, but did not make his destination, as the plane continued to experience problems.

There were no other passengers in the plane, and no other pedestrians or motorists hurt.

Agencies assisting at the scene include the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Fire Department, Henry County Ambulance, and the Iowa State Patrol.  The Federal Aviation Administration will conduct an investigation into this incident.

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