No injuries after small plane runs off end of runway at Essex County Airport – NorthJersey.com

FAIRFIELD — Three people aboard a small business jet were uninjured when it ran off the end of the Essex County Airport runway after landing around 2:41 p.m. on Easter Sunday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and police. 

The occupants, including the owner, who is from Bernardsville, and the pilot and second in command, were trying to get out of the plane when police arrived at the scene, Fairfield police said in a statement. 

As the plane was attempting to land, strong crosswinds prevented the aircraft from touching down soon enough, according to a preliminary investigation by Fairfield police. The plane briefly hit the runway, then grass, before landing in a drainage brook. 

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The white Cessna Citation aircraft was lying in a grassy area at the southern end of the airport Sunday, and close to a dozen police vehicles, ambulances and firetrucks from Fairfield, West Caldwell, the West Essex First Aid Squad and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office were lined up behind the plane. A strong smell of fuel wafted through the surrounding area. 

At 5:45 p.m., the plane was still emitting jet fuel into the brook. First responders called in the Nutley Fire Department’s hazardous materials unit to help the Fairfield Fire Department contain the spill. 

The FAA said it is investigating the incident. Fairfield police notified the National Transportation Safety Board of the crash. 

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Ashley Balcerzak is a reporter covering affordable housing and its intersection of how we live in New Jersey. For unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: balcerzaka@northjersey.com 

Twitter: @abalcerzak