1 dead after plane crashes into tree, catches fire in Madison County

MADISON COUNTY, Ind. — One person is dead after a small plane crashed into a tree before catching fire near a field in Madison County.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Department said crews were called around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday to a field in the 4200 block of N. 100 West, which is just north of Anderson, for a reported plane crash.

Sheriff John Beeman said that witnesses saw the plane crash and catch fire. Several passersby reportedly used extinguishers to put out the flames before helping the pilot out of the plane and giving him CPR.

EMS crews soon arrived and attempted lifesaving measures on the sole occupant, identified as an adult male. He was later pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

“It appears the plane briefly touched down multiple times in a nearby field before striking the tree at ground level,” a news release read. “Anderson Airport Tower had communication with the pilot shortly before the crash, but there was no indication of any trouble.”

An autopsy is now scheduled for Thursday to determine whether a medical emergency caused the crash, Beeman said.

The plane, identified as a 1940s taildragger, was en route to the Anderson Airport from Rensselaer.

Officials said that the FAA and NTSB have both been notified and are en route to conduct an investigation.