Brush With Tragedy in the Skies : Skydiving Plane Crashes Into New Jersey Woods, 15 Survive But Shaken
What began as a thrilling day of adventure nearly ended in catastrophe when a skydiving plane carrying 15 people crashed into a wooded area near the Cross Keys Airport around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Miraculously, all onboard survived, though several sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical. Cross Keys, NJ
The single-engine Cessna 208B, leased to Skydive Cross Keys and owned by ARNE Aviation of Virginia, was on a skydiving mission when something went terribly wrong. According to Gloucester County Emergency Management’s Andrew Halter, the aircraft attempted to return for an emergency landing after complications during flight. Tragically, it failed to reach the runway and instead plunged into the woods, shattering the aircraft and scattering debris across the crash site.
“The plane did try to circle back and attempt a landing… but was unsuccessful in that attempt, Halter said in a somber press conference, as emergency vehicles surrounded the smoking wreckage hidden among the trees. “Just the fact that we have 15 people still with us today — some with minor injuries — is fantastic and remarkable.”
Aerial footage of the aftermath shows the Cessna torn apart in the forest, its fuselage mangled, and evidence of jet fuel staining the soil. Several passengers were drenched in fuel and had to undergo immediate decontamination before they could be rushed to area hospitals.
Wendy A. Marano, spokesperson for Cooper University Hospital in Camden, confirmed that three individuals were admitted to the trauma center, while eight others were being treated in the emergency department. Four more patients with minimal injuries were awaiting further evaluation. The specific nature of their injuries has not been released, though responders on the scene described a chaotic and harrowing rescue effort.
Medical teams from Cooper’s EMS and trauma departments rushed to the scene, working tirelessly with fire and emergency personnel to stabilize and transport the victims.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a formal investigation into the crash. An NTSB spokesperson confirmed on social media that investigators are currently collecting flight data, examining aircraft maintenance records, and interviewing survivors.
Skydive Cross Keys and ARNE Aviation have yet to release statements. Calls to the airport were redirected, and attempts to reach the aircraft operators went unanswered.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy offered brief reassurance via social media, stating, “I’ve been briefed on the plane crash in Gloucester County. Thankfully, there are no fatalities at this time. My heart is with those injured, and I commend the first responders for their swift and courageous action.”
Though no lives were lost, the emotional scars and physical trauma will linger long after the wreckage is cleared. What was meant to be a leap of joy turned into a night of terror, reminding us all how swiftly adventure can shift into tragedy — and how precious each moment of life truly is.