Why Did A Plane Land On This Cape Cod Beach?

EASTHAM, MA — Wellfleet police received reports of a possible plane crash on Sunday. Though no injuries were reported, officials from multiple organizations are now investigating what caused the emergency landing.

On Sunday around 3:45 p.m., the Wellfleet Police Department, Wellfleet Fire Department and the National Park Service were dispatched to a report of a possible plane crash on Marconi Beach in Wellfleet.

Before reaching the scene, the Chatham Municipal Airport reported that the plane had safely landed on the beach and that no occupants were injured after a landing that was closer to Nauset Light Beach, in Eastham, where a staging area was established.

A pilot and two passengers had taken off from the airport at 3:15 p.m. on a tour operated by Stick'N Rudder Aero Tours. About 15 minutes later, police said, the plane experienced a mechanical issue that forced the pilot to land on the beach.

The National Park Service was tasked with moving the plane above the high-water mark to minimize any contact with water, police said, and will also be responsible for removing it from the beach.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Park Service will be investigating the cause of the beach landing.