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NANTUCKET, Mass. — As Nantucket Airport geared up for a disaster drill Wednesday morning, an actual plane crash happened.
According to the airport, a Cessna aircraft came down hard while attempting to take off during from the airport shortly before 7:30 a.m. Only the pilot was on board at the time.
The FAA has launched an investigation.
But a quick glance at the airport’s twitter account revealed extensive warnings that the airport would be closed for a large scale disaster drill.
Mere minutes after a drill tweet Wednesday morning, the airport followed up with “A real word Alert 3 in progress … repeat this is not the drill.”
The Nantucket Enquirer reported a plane's landing gear failed, leaving debris on the runway.
Prop plane laying on the runway after gear collapses on landing at nantucket airport. Unknown injuries @InkyM #nantucket pic.twitter.com/VmFUAHmXWP
— Peter Sutters (@petersutters) September 13, 2017
Have been told it was taking off, not landing. One person on board. Medical aid was requested but unknown injuries @InkyM
— Peter Sutters (@petersutters) September 13, 2017
According to FAA guidelines, an 'Alert 3' indicates a plane has crashed at or near the airport and can indicate a landing gear failure; though it does not specify the level of damage or injuries.
The airport remained closed during the incident.
At approx 0724 there was an incident with an aircraft departing RW24. Emergency response actions are underway. Airport closed at this time.
— Nantucket Airport (@AirportACK) September 13, 2017
Airport is closed. Repeat this is not the drill.
— Nantucket Airport (@AirportACK) September 13, 2017
A real world Alert 3 in progress. Airport personnel currently undergoing response and will advise. Airport is closed at this time.
— Nantucket Airport (@AirportACK) September 13, 2017
#ACKDrill2017 scheduled to start at 0900. ACK travelers on @JetBlue, @CapeAir @rectrixaero and residents of @TownofNantucket: this is all OK pic.twitter.com/hqDXCr9vEx
— Nantucket Airport (@AirportACK) September 13, 2017
Be advised, #ACKDrill2017 currently delayed while we respond to real world emergency @JetBlue @CapeAir @rectrixaero
— Nantucket Airport (@AirportACK) September 13, 2017
#ACKDrill2017 is cancelled. @JetBlue @CapeAir @rectrixaero @TownofNantucket
— Nantucket Airport (@AirportACK) September 13, 2017
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