2 local men hurt in crash of ultralight in dirt field

5/1/2005

CLAY CENTER, Ohio - Two area men were hurt, one seriously, when a two-seat ultralight airplane crashed yesterday in a dirt field near Walbridge East and Reiman roads in Ottawa County's Allen Township, the Ohio Highway Patrol said.

Anthony Kusian, 21, of Curtice, the pilot, received minor injuries and did not seek immediate medical treatment. His passenger, Paul Haun, 57, also of Curtice, was flown by helicopter to Medical College of Ohio Hospitals, where he was admitted in serious condition, authorities said.

The aircraft took off from an airstrip just south of the crash site about 4:30 p.m., had engine problems, tried to return to the airstrip, and began to lose altitude. Moments later, a wheel hit the ground, causing the aircraft to roll over onto its top. As it did, its wings buckled and the main support beam snapped in two, troopers at the patrol's Sandusky post said.

Mr. Kusian helped Mr. Haun from the wreckage. Both men were strapped in and wearing helmets, the trooper said.