A small plane crashed in Northeast Philadelphia on Wednesday, injuring two people, including an off‑duty Philadelphia police officer. The crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Friends of Fluehr Park on Grant and Torresdale avenues near the Northeast Philadelphia Airpo rt. Officials said the plane, a Piper Pilot 100i single-engine aircraft, had lost engine power and while attempting an emergency landing, clipped a tree before crashing in the park. Both the pilot and a passenger were taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, but their condition has since been upgraded to stable. A law enforcement source confirmed that one of the two people injured was an off-duty Philadelphia police officer. The plane, was operated by Fly Legacy Aviation, a flight school company. Alex Souponetsky, general manager of Fly Legacy Aviation, shared a statement with NBC10 following the crash: “Unfortunately, a Piper Pilot 100i training aircraft experienced an engine power loss over the Delaware River this afternoon. The information we have is very limited, but as a flight school who trains commercial pilots, we take our responsibilities very, very seriously and the cause of the engine power loss is under intense investigation at this time.  I am relieved to report that the instructor and student pilot aboard the plane were able to complete an emergency landing in a nearby park, and although they succeeded in preventing any fatalities or injuries to others, they were unable to avoid striking a tree during their landing.We are so grateful both individuals are safe and stable as they receive treatment at a local hospital. Fly Legacy Aviation is in contact with the FAA and NTSB.Our thoughts are with the pilots and their families. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.“ The crash caused a small fuel spill at the location. Hazmat crews, police and firefighters all responded to the scene. “We were very lucky. This is a residential neighborhood. This could have been very different if that plane comes down onto a house. We were fortunate in that regard,” Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson said. Federal investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are expected to review the wreckage and interview responders as part of their ongoing investigation. NBC10 obtained audio recordings of the moments leading up to the crash, which are also under review. In the audio, you can hear the pilot tell air traffic control, “We are having a little bit of engine problems right now.” Then you can hear the air traffic controller assessing the severity of the emergency, ” Do you need to land now or can you follow behind them?” The pilot responded, “We need to land now.” The air traffic controller then gives the pilot instructions on where to land, but the pilot then explains they are out of time. Air traffic Controller says, “Turn left immediately and then left down by the runway. The pilot responds, “We are not making it through.” In response, the air traffic controller says,” Wherever you can, just try to find an open area and put it down.” Further details, including the identities of those involved and the cause of the crash, have not yet been released. ...read more read less