Columbus, NE – Deputies with the Platte County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported plane crash Tuesday afternoon southwest of Columbus. Officials said the incident occurred around 1:10 p.m. in a field near the intersection of 340th Street and 205th Avenue, roughly seven miles west of the city.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the aircraft was a single-engine prop plane piloted by Cody Hawkins, 46, of Ponca City, Oklahoma. Investigators said Hawkins had departed from the Norfolk Regional Airport bound for Ponca City when the plane apparently lost power mid-flight.
After losing engine power, Hawkins allegedly managed to guide the plane to a controlled landing in an open field. He was evaluated at the scene by Columbus Rescue personnel and was not injured.
Authorities said no other individuals were on board and no property damage was reported. The FAA and NTSB are expected to arrive to take over the investigation.
As of late Thursday afternoon, the Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Rural Fire crews remained on scene assisting.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information is asked to contact the Platte County Sheriff’s Office at 402-564-3229 or Crime Stoppers at 402-563-4000.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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