Small Plane Crashes In Lincoln Park Injuring Pilot

A pilot escaped serious injury when a small plane crashed following a hard landing at a northern New Jersey airport.

Lincoln Park Police Sgt. William Karback says 32-year-old Ilya Kleyn of Cliffside Park was trying to land the Cessna 162 Sky Catcher at Lincoln Park Airport when he lost control of the aircraft around 1:15 p.m. Friday. It then veered off the runway and crashed into some nearby trees.

Kleyn was the only person on board the plane. He was treated at a nearby hospital for back pain and minor cuts to his face and neck.

The Federal Aviation Administration says the plane is registered to Lincoln Park-based Aero Safety Training. Company officials could not be reached for comment early Friday night.

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