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FAA investigating after plane crashes into Susquehanna River

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — A small single engine plane went into the Susquehanna River Friday after landing short of a runway at Harrisburg International Airpo...
plane

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. -- A small single engine plane went into the Susquehanna River Friday after landing short of a runway at Harrisburg International Airport (HIA), according to Scott Miller, a spokesperson for the airport.

Miller said there were two people on board the plane and they're OK.

It's not known if HIA was the original destination.

The Federal Aviation Administration released the following statement:

A Piper PA-46 is in shallow water in the Susquehanna River after landing short of Runway 31 at Harrisburg International Airport in Pennsylvania about 5:30 p.m. today. The two people aboard exited the aircraft onto a wing. Check with local authorities on their condition. The FAA will investigate.

Dispatch said the call came in around 5:10 p.m. and crews are just south of Three Mile Island in Lower Swatara Township.

“I ran out and saw the plane in the river and the pilot was on the wing waving his hands," said Jonathan Witman, witness.

Officials say both victims made it to safety with minor injuries and are being treated at Hershey Medical Center.

The cause of the crash is still unclear.

"We have no idea at this time other than it was an engine failure and that the aircraft could not make it to the runway and had to land in the river," said Tim Edwards, Executive Director, Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority, Harrisburg International Airport.

FAA investigating after plane crashes into Susquehanna River

This story has been updated from its previous version. 

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