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Pilot Crashes Plane Near Mountain In Utah, Hikes Six Miles For Help

Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images for UTMB World Series

Devan Bugbee Contributor
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A pilot hiked for about six miles to call for help after crashing his plane near a mountain in Morgan County, Utah, Sunday afternoon, according to a local fire department.

The pilot, reportedly 81 years old, crashed his plane in a canyon near Durst Mountain at around 2 p.m. before trekking approximately six miles to call for help, according to a Facebook post from the Mountain Green Fire Protection District. Mountain Green Fire worked with Morgan Fire and EMS units, as well as Deputies from the Morgan Sheriff’s Department, to cut the plane’s batteries, survey the damage and address the fuel leak. No injuries took place, according to the fire department.

The pilot managed to land his Rutan Long-EZ in an open area and then hiked for over two hours before finding cell service, according to HJ News. It remains unclear exactly what caused the crash.

He called his son, who then called 911, Mountain Green Fire Chief Brian Brendel told HJ News. The pilot reportedly refused any aid or services, insisting on returning to his plane to gather his remaining items. (RELATED: WBTV Pilot And Meteorologist Killed In Helicopter Crash On North Carolina Interstate: Police)

The pilot had flown from Idaho in his plane, which remained in great shape after the incident, KSLTV reported.