1 injured in small plane crash at Palmer Airport near Latrobe

LATROBE, Pa. — One person was injured when a small plane crashed Friday morning at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport near Latrobe.

Emergency officials told Channel 11 News that the single-engine Piper Cherokee, owned by Westmoreland Aviation, crashed as it was landing at about 10:30 a.m.

Officials said the pilot, Doug Splitstone, suffered moderate injuries. Splitstone was taken by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital, said Gabe Munzo, a spokesperson with the airport. He was the only person on board, and officials said he was alert and conscious as he was flown to the hospital.

The cause of the crash was not known as of Friday afternoon, but officials said weather is not believed to have been a factor. Airport officials said pretty much anything could have caused the crash.

"All kinds of things could happen. You try to prepare for anything," Munzo said.

Officials said Splitstone, of Murrysville, has been a pilot for six years and is part of Westmoreland Aviation.  He is a pilot who is recognized highly by the FAA, which means he met or exceeded the high educational and licensing standards established by the administration.

The front of the plane was heavily damaged, as was the landing gear, and the right wing fell off during the crash.

One Spirit Airlines flight was diverted to Cleveland as a result of the crash. The airport reopened shortly before noon.

Cox Media Group