Small aircraft makes emergency landing on front lawn of a Spanish Fork homeowner, no injuries reported

SPANISH FORK — Officials in Spanish Fork say two people walked away without any injuries Saturday afternoon after a small aircraft made an emergency landing.

According to a news release from the city, the Piper Saratoga experienced engine failure as it was approaching the Spanish Fork Airport around 2:30 p.m.

First responders were dispatched to 500 W. 1000 North where the plane came to a rest in the front yard of a home. The release states both individuals on board were able to get out before emergency personnel arrived.

What caused the engine failure is not known, according to the release. After the engine failure, the pilot attempted to make it back to the airport, but didn’t have the speed or the altitude. In an effort to avoid hitting a power substation, Interstate 15 or nearby buildings, the pilot tried to land in a open field.

According to the release, the plane skidded through the field and came to rest in the front yard of a house across the street.

Officials say damages to the plane are estimated at $350,000. They say the plane is likely a total loss.

Homeowner reaction

The plane came to a stop on the property of homeowner Jonathan Morrill.

“I was actually just in my house watching TV,” Morrill said. “And we have our one dog, (who’s) usually very boisterous and stuff, came into my room and was just acting strange, kept hopping up on me and just looking around and just really weird. So I go, ‘what’s wrong?’ So I get up and look out the window…. there’s a plane on the front yard.”

The home has been in Morrill’s family since the late 1960s. Morrill says he hears planes go by every five to 10 minutes. However, he says he didn’t hear this one.

“I walk out and the emergency vehicles started coming out,” he said. “I saw the pilot and the passenger just out standing out here. So I came out and I was talking to them.”

Morrill is amazed at how the pilot was able to avoid striking anything on the ground.

“I don’t know how he did it,” he said. “He avoided the substation, he avoided the poles here, he avoided my house and the mailbox”