By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities are investigating an incident at Essex County Airport after a plane skidded off the runway Wednesday evening.
Officers were dispatched to the scene around 5:25 p.m., Wednesday evening, where they found a 2011 Baron Beechcraft G58 dual-prop plane resting on the grass off the runway.
The pilot, a 58-year-old man from Weehawken, and his 57-year-old passenger from Bayonne, both escaped the incident without injury.
According to initial reports, the plane had taken off from Essex County Airport but encountered electrical issues approximately six miles into the flight.
The pilot made the decision to turn back, but due to the electrical malfunction, the landing gear failed to deploy, causing the plane to skid upon touchdown.
The Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene, and the airport remains closed pending the completion of the investigation.
