Plane down near Galt; 2 on board

McHenry Country Sheriff officers prepare to tape off the scene of a plane crash in Greenwood early Monday morning. The Forney F1A single engine aircraft crashed into the Greenwood Elementary School sign after reportedly having mechanical problems just after take off from Galt Airport. The two men on board walked away from the scene with minor scratches. (Kristy Ann Mann photo)

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GREENWOOD – An airplane pilot and his passenger appeared to be in good condition after their small aircraft crashed into the front lawn of an elementary school Monday morning.

 Thomas N. Chapman, of Harvard, and Roch T. Magelby-Lambert, had just taken off from Galt Airport, just east of Woodstock, for a sight-seeing tour about 9  a.m  when the plane started having mechanical problems and ended up landing at Greenwood Elementary school, according to McHenry County Lt. John Miller.

“They tried to return to the airport,” Miller said, “The plane struck a power line, and crashed into the school sign and landed.”

There were no reported power outages as a result of the crash, Miller added.

The Forney F1A single-engine aircraft suffered extensive damage to the wings and tail, but no damage estimates were available Monday afternoon.

Richard Hodges, the head custodian at Greenwood Elementary School, said he was  outdoors painting signs at the school when he saw the plane heading in his direction.

“I saw it hit the wire and crash in the field,” Hodges said. “I ran over to make sure that every one was OK and I called 911.”

The FAA was called to investigate the incident, Miller said. Chapman remained at the scene for questioning from FAA officials. He declined to comment.

 A small amount of fuel leaked from the aircraft after it landed, but posed no safety hazard to the public, Miller said.

Woodstock firefighters remained at the scene Monday in case of a fire, which was unlikely, officials said.

 Miller said no one was transported to the hospital, adding that Chapman and Magelby-Lambert of Cambridge Mass., were treated and released at the scene.

Justina Fibish said she was in her backyard when she first heard the airplane nearing her location. She ran into her home to get her husband after she saw the plane skim nearby trees and land at the school yard, which is right across the road from her home.

 Fibish said she was relieved to find out that no one was seriously injured in a plane crash that could have ended in tragedy.

 “My heart was just pounding,” Fibish said. “I was so scared. I was shaking.”