The 72-year-old Star Wars and Indiana Jones actor, Harrison Ford, underwent surgery for a broken ankle and pelvis after his plane crashed at the Penmar Gulf Course in Venice, California, Hollywood Life says.
At approximately 2:20 p.m., Harrison – who sources say is an experienced pilot – took off in a World War II vintage plane that began having engine problems, and as a result, the plant ultimately lost its power.
“This pilot is an experienced pilot,” investigator Patrick Jones said. “The pilot reported a loss of engine power and was attempting to return to the runway. It appears he clipped the top of a tree and came to rest on the golf course.”
Ford’s publicist, Ina Treciokas, said in a statement that he “had no other choice but to make an emergency landing, which he did safely. He was banged up and is in the hospital receiving medical care. The injuries sustained are not life threatening, and he is expected to make a full recovery.”
A witness and camera assistant, Eddie Aguglia, who saw Harrison Ford’s plane crash had spoken with reporters about the incident.
“I’m sure there was a moment where he said, ‘I’m not going to risk lives, whatever happens, happens. It’s going to be just me.’”
During the landing, Harrison suffered a broken ankle and pelvis in which he is undergoing surgery. An eyewitness said “He risked his life and limb by putting it down on the golf course instead of trying to go further to try to get back to the airport.”
Christina Fry, who is with the Santa Monica Airport Association, said that “I would say that this is an absolutely beautifully executed — what we would call — a forced or emergency landing, by an unbelievably well-trained pilot.”
CEO Ryan Kavanaugh explained to reporters how Harrison Ford made an accurate landing.
“He made the correct turn that the plane was designed for with an engine out. Ninety-nine percent of pilots would have turned around to go back to the runway and would have crashed.”
Harrison’s son, Ben Ford, sent out a tweet to fans who were concerned about the actors’ well being when they learned of his plane crash.
“At the hospital. Dad is ok. Battered, but ok! He is every bit the man you would think he is. He is an incredibly strong man. Thank you all for your thoughts and good vibes for my dad.”
[Image courtesy of Rich Polk/Getty Images]