LANCASTER, OH — A late-night flight from West Virginia ended in a harrowing emergency landing Sunday night, leaving two young adults hospitalized with serious injuries after their aircraft went down just miles from its destination.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Lancaster Post is currently investigating the crash, which occurred at approximately 10:41 p.m. on May 3, 2026, in Pleasant Township.
Mechanical Failure on Final Approach
According to state troopers, a 1961 Cessna 182D Skylane was traveling westbound from Martinsburg, West Virginia, destined for the Fairfield County Airport (LHQ). Preliminary findings suggest that as the single-engine plane was on its final approach to the runway, it experienced a sudden mechanical issue.
The pilot attempted an emergency landing along Rainbow Drive, just east of State Route 188. However, before the aircraft could reach the ground, it struck multiple trees, causing significant damage.
Teen Pilot and Passenger Seriously Injured
The aircraft was piloted by 19-year-old Grant Keefer of Lancaster. Traveling with him was 18-year-old Harper Kline of Zanesville.
Both teenagers were treated at the scene by Lancaster Fire and EMS before being transported by ground ambulance to Grant Medical Center in Columbus. Both remain in treatment for serious injuries.
Federal Investigators Notified
The scene was secured through a joint effort by the Lancaster Police Department, the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lancaster Department of Transportation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was notified immediately following the crash and will conduct a separate, independent investigation to determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure. The OSHP remains the lead agency for the local crash report.
