The 183rd Fighter Wing Responds to Accident at Capital Airport

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (01/06/2011)(readMedia)-- Firefighters from the Springfield-based 183rd Fighter Wing responded to a civilian airplane crash at approximately 11 a.m. on Jan. 6 at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield. The aircraft came to rest off the runaway in the grass in front of Standard Aero.

Four firefighters from the 183rd Fighter Wing, which serves as the first responders for airplane crashes at the Springfield airport, responded to the crash.

"They responded under the minimum time required by the Federal Aviation Administration and did a terrific job extinguishing the fire, securing the aircraft and providing aid to those on board," said Lt. Col. Chuck Coderko, 183rd Fire Marshal.

Six individuals were on board the aircraft, with two people injured and taken to the hospital for further medical treatment.

"Our firefighters are top notch and performed their job with great professionalism. I am proud of the work they did today and do every day," Coderko said.

As part of the previous mission of the 183rd Fighter Wing, the Air National Guard unit has 18 full-time firefighter positions. The fire fighters are highly trained for Hazardous Material and Homeland Defense response. They provide fire protection for Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport as well as Mutual Aid Support to Fire Departments from Springfield, Sherman, Athens, Pleasant Plains and any department that requests.

The crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil

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Photos by Master Sgt. Shaun Kerr, 183rd Fighter Wing/ Four firefighters from the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield responded to a civilian airplane crash at Capital Airport in Springfield at approximately 11 a.m. on Jan. 6. 183rd firefighters serve as the first responders for accidents at the Springfield airport. Six individuals were on board the aircraft, with two of those individuals taken to a local hospital for further medical treatment.