Minor injury plane crash in Erie Township under investigation

ERIE TOWNSHIP – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently conducting an investigation into a minor injury plane crash that transpired on September 30, 2023, at approximately 4:13 P.M. The incident took place when a seaplane crashed into the Portage River near 4640 W. Harbor Rd in Ottawa County.

The pilot, identified as 72-year-old James Raymond Lenardson from Bonita Springs, Florida, was operating a 2003 Cessna 206 seaplane at the time of the crash. Both Lenardson and his passenger, 67-year-old Leo Joseph Eggert Jr. from Perrysburg, Ohio, sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash.

Following the accident, Port Clinton EMS promptly transported both Lenardson and Eggert to Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton, Ohio, for medical evaluation and treatment.

The crash unfolded as Lenardson was traveling eastbound on the Portage River, attempting to take off in the seaplane. However, during the initial ascent, the aircraft struck a power line. This collision resulted in a loss of control, leading to the plane crashing into the Portage River. Fortunately, both Lenardson and Eggert managed to exit the sinking plane and safely reached the riverbank.

The impact of the crash also caused an Ohio Edison high-voltage power line to fall into the river, with another section extending across a cottage at The Resort at Erie Landing. Ohio Edison crews were quickly dispatched to the scene to de-energize the power line, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.

To retrieve the plane from the river, a Rescue Marine team was summoned to assist with the operation.

At this time, authorities suspect that alcohol and/or drug use may have played a role in the incident. Consequently, this aspect of the crash will remain under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol received assistance from several agencies during the incident, including the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Erie Township Fire Department, Port Clinton EMS, Ohio Edison, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

As the investigation continues, authorities will be working diligently to piece together the details surrounding this minor injury plane crash in Erie Township, hoping to shed light on the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event.