LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A small rented airplane was damaged while landing at Furnace Creek Airport in Death Valley National Park on June 17 after it ran off the end of the runway and flipped, according to park officials.
The incident happened around 10 a.m. when the aircraft overran the runway and entered the gravel safety area, officials said. A crash-detection alert from a mobile device triggered an emergency response by the National Park Service.
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No major injuries were reported, officials said.
According to the release, the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.
Park officials used the incident to remind pilots of the hazards of flying in and out of Death Valley during the summer, when temperatures routinely exceed 120 degrees. Extreme heat and high-density altitude can reduce aircraft performance, leading to longer takeoff rolls, reduced climb rates and increased landing distances, officials said.
Pilots should evaluate aircraft performance, weight, weather conditions and surrounding terrain before flying, and consult aircraft manuals for altitude and temperature performance data, officials said.
Officials also noted that fuel is not available at Furnace Creek Airport and urged pilots to plan accordingly. Current airport and runway information is available on the NPS website.
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