JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas pilot and passenger avoided serious injuries after a small plane crash just before noon Friday in Johnson County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1980 Cessna 182 piloted by 59-year-old Jashwant Patel of Overland Park was flying southwesterly near Melvern, Kansas
The pilot determined the engine was not operating correctly. He decided to return to his origin airport at New Century, Gardner Municipal Airport, 31905 W 175th Street.
After turning back, the pilot stated the aircraft experienced a complete engine failure and the cockpit filled with smoke. The pilot performed an emergency descent and forced landing in a fallow field just south of the Gardner Municipal Airport.
During the roll out, the Cessna struck a culvert, causing the front end of the aircraft to strike the ground. As a result, the aircraft overturned front over end and came to a stop on its top. The pilot and passenger 42-year-old Gary Waters of LaCygne, Kansas were not injured.
The NTSB will investigate the crash.