(KYTX) - One person was injured in a small plane crash in Longview on March 18.
Crews responded to the crash around 8:00 a.m. at the 2600 block of East Marshall Avenue.
According to Longview Police, the small airplane crashed into the wooded area near a private airport.
The pilot, identified as 48-year-old Brian Mahan, told authorities after he took off he realized that there was heavy cloud cover and would not be able to fly. He quickly turned back around and circled a few times looking for the airport. He was flying low in an effort to find the airstrip and hit some trees, causing him to crash.
Mahan's family said he's an experienced pilot. Kyle Williams, Mahan's son in law, said he's been flying for nearly 20 years.
"He pays attention to what he's doing," Williams said. "He's very very safe and cautious."
Williams said he's a good pilot and understands there's always a risk when it comes to flying.
"You're flying a plane, stuff happens," Williams said. "I just want to make sure he's good, go back to the hospital and make sure he's okay."
Mahan was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. His son in law says he has a broken leg and hip.
No other injuries were reported.
The FAA is investigating the crash.
