HAGAMAN, N.Y. (NEWS10) – A propeller went through the roof of a Hagaman home on Thursday.
The
Federal Aviation Administration said a Homebuilt Meyers OTW lost part
of its propeller on Thursday. The incident occurred around 2 p.m.,
according to the New York State Police.
Police
said the small, single engine plane developed mechanical problems, and
the propeller fell off as a result. The propeller struck an unoccupied
home on Green Acres lane in the town of Hagaman.
Neighbors said they saw the plane flying over homes, but they never expected a piece would come falling down.
Grace
Montenaro was eating lunch outside Thursday afternoon when saw a
propeller come tumbling out of the sky. It pierced through Maria
Cebula’s attic and bedroom ceiling.
“Came back home and big hole in my room,” she said. “Not a pleasant thing to see.”
According
to police, the pilot took off from a private air strip in Fulton
County. After the propeller fell off, the pilot was able to glide the
plane back to the air strip because he still had proper altitude and
distance from the air strip to make it back safely.
“He made it back to the airport,” Montenaro said. “Glided back; give him skill. That takes skill.”
A tarp now covers the gaping hole in Cebula’s home, but she’s grateful she was not home when the sky came falling down.
“State police that were here were very nice,” she said. “They helped me cover the roof, but I was glad I was not home.”
No injuries were reported.
The homeowner’s dogs were home, but they are okay.
The NYSP and FAA is investigating.