Light plane crash halts private event at Lime Rock Park

At approximately 1:00 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 20, a Cessna 172 experienced a mechanical failure and was forced to make an emergency landing at Lime Rock Park. The plane crashed into the safety barrier near Turn 6, at the end of the back straight. The incident occurred during a closed event at the on the famed 1.53-mile course in Salisbury, Connecticut.

Of the two individuals on board, the pilot was uninjured, while the passenger sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

Lime Rock Park corner workers reported the emergency, and the safety crew responded to contain a small fuel leak. Local fire department units were also dispatched for further assistance.

“We are grateful for the quick response of our corner workers, emergency personnel and local responders,” said Lime Rock Park director of operations Tom Burke. “We are relieved that both occupants are safe and wish the passenger a speedy recovery.”

 The incident is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and Connecticut State Police.