Small plane strikes power lines, crashes in Mercer County

A pilot was able to escape a small plane crash Friday evening with only minor injuries after his aircraft struck high tension power lines.

Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers are investigating the crash that occurred around 7:30 p.m. west of state Route 118 and north of Oregon Road in Mercer County.

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The pilot, Aaron William Phillips, 46, of Redfield, Kansas, left the aircraft himself, suffering only minor injuries. Medics took  him to Mercer Health Hospital in Coldwater.

According to troopers, the 1996 Air Tractor AT-502B plane struck the high tension power lines south of Fetters Road, lost control, and crashed into a plowed field.

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Troopers were assisted by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Mercer County EMA and Rockford Fire and EMS.

The Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB were contacted and will be investigating.