Dutchess aviation student forced to make off-airport landing in Connecticut

A Dutchess Community College Aviation Science: Pilot program student was forced to make an off-airport landing during a solo flight Monday from Poughkeepsie to Hartford, Connecticut, at approximately 11 a.m.

As the student was working to complete the Federal Aviation Administration’s solo flight time requirements to obtain a private pilot’s license, a sudden mechanical failure occurred, causing her to make an emergency, off-airport landing at a campground in Terryville, Connecticut.

The student did not suffer from any major injuries, and was transported to a Connecticut hospital for monitoring and observation. There were also no injuries suffered by anyone on the ground at that time.

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Dutchess Community College is awaiting a full incident report from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board. In a statement, the college said every factor points to the student’s actions “being courageous and exemplary.”

“Over its 20-year history, DCC’s Aviation Science program has maintained an excellent safety record,” the college said in a statement. “Students’ well-being is always its top priority.”

The school said officials are working with and supporting the student and the department following the incident.