Plane crash at Harvey blamed on poor landing

A Cessna 177 Cardinal crashed into a fence at Harvey Field on May 28 after a problematic landing approach. The pilot, who was alone, escaped without injury. Analysis of flight transponder data revealed the pilot exceeded normal speeds and exhibited an erratic descent pattern. Robert Katz, a seasoned flight instructor, warned that small airports face growing dangers as urban development surrounds them. Harvey Field is seeking FAA approval to expand its runway from 2,048 feet to 2,400 feet and increase its width to 75 feet.

This expansion aims to improve safety compliance and reduce the likelihood of future incidents. The current runway is deemed out of FAA compliance, and federal reviews of the proposal are anticipated to conclude by June 30. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at small airports.