A crash-landing at Warsaw Municipal Airport fortunately ended with no injuries.

It happened at approximately 11:32 a.m. today. Authorities report that a single prop aircraft crash landed at the airport after crosswinds tipped the plane when it attempted to land. The pilot, Thomas Kowalczk, 63, of Marblehead, Ohio, and his son, Brian Kowalczk, 42, of Allendale, Mich., were unharmed.

The plane, a 1984 Mooney M201 left Marblehead, Ohio, this morning with a final destination of Grand Rapids, Mich. The plane had stopped to pick up parts at Port Clinton, Mich., and then at Lapier, Mich., before stopping to refuel at Warsaw. Thomas Kowalczk said he was descending southbound toward the Warsaw runway when a severe crosswind caught the airplane. The airplane tipped to the side causing the wing to touch the ground and resulted in the plane bouncing several times as it tried to land.

The airplane crossed the runway and the adjoining taxiway before crashing into the airport fuel tank barriers and a fence. The plane slid in between an above ground gasoline tank and the above ground controls of underground jet fuel tanks. There was no fire and no fuel was spilled.

Police say there was significant damage to the aircraft and to the airport fence and minimal damage to the fuel tank barrier.

Warsaw Police were assisted by the Warsaw/Wayne Fire Territory, the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana State Police, and Multi-Township EMS. The Indiana State Police and the FAA will lead the investigation.
There are no further details.