FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) – One person was killed in a small plane crash in Franklin Township Sunday morning, according to police.
The Franklin Township Police Department (FTPD) responded to an aircraft emergency on March 30 at 11:26 a.m. after air traffic control reported a loss of contact with a single-engine aircraft flying over Franklin Township.
The aircraft was last known to be in the vicinity of South Middlebush Road and Jacques Lane, prompting an immediate response from New Jersey State Police, who initiated an aerial search. The Millstone Valley Fire Department (MVFD) also deployed a drone to assist in locating the aircraft.
At approximately 1:22 p.m., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided further information that led to the discovery of the aircraft in a brushy area near South Middlebush Lane and Hilltop Lane. Personnel from the FTPD and MVFD confirmed the presence of one occupant inside the downed aircraft.
For safety reasons, the area surrounding the crash site was evacuated and is currently being secured. Authorities have not ruled out the presence of additional occupants, and the search continues. Local law enforcement is advising the public to avoid the affected area to ensure the safety of all involved and to allow the ongoing investigation to proceed without interference.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead in investigating the cause of the crash. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact Detective William Poling at 732-873-5533, extension 3227, or via email at William.poling@franklinnj.gov.
