Experimental Plane Crashed Near Manassas Airport

MANASSAS, Va. - Virginia State Police say two Herndon men were injured Friday evening (June 26, 2009) in a plane crash near the Manassas Regional Airport.

A police spokesperson says that shortly after 5 p.m., Virginia State Police were called to the crash scene, which was approximately a half mile from the airport.

According to the police, a fixed-wing aircraft had just taken off at 4:47 p.m. when the pilot said he began to experience problems with the plane. The pilot added that as he attempted to return to the airport, the plane, a 1991 Glasair 3, began to lose altitude and crashed into a nearby wooded area.

Police identified the pilot as Robert S. Vachon, 24, of Herndon, and his passenger, Ronald Mangas, 24, of Herndon. Both flown by Virginia State Police Med-Flight helicopter to Inova Fairfax Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Virginia State Police say the crash is under investigation and that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also investigating the crash.