Small plane crashes near airport in Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH — A small plane crashed while trying to land at Central Jersey Regional Airport on Tuesday afternoon.

The plane came to rest in a tree off airport property between Millstone River and Millstone River Road around noon, according to Hillsborough Township spokeswoman Pam Borek.

The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said a preliminary investigation determined the plane's engine stalled as it tried to land at the airport

The plane caught fire after hitting the tree and the pilot, who was the only person on board the plane was rescued, according to FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen.

The FAA was working to get more information on the plane.

A High Rescue crew was working to get the plane out of the tree, according to Borek.

Borek said first responders found the plane 75 feet off the ground and leaking fuel.

The plane came down just north of the airport off Wihousky Street near the Manville River in Manville.

The FAA will investigate and the NTSB will determine probable cause of the accident, according to Bergen.

The airport is located in a wooded area off Millstone River Road on the border with Manville. Part of Millstone River Road was closed for the rescue operation and cleanup.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ

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