Two people survived a small airplane crash that occurred behind a home off of Shoals Creek Drive on Thursday afternoon.
The Athens-Clarke County Fire Department said that the Piper PA-24-260 Comanche plane took off from Athens-Ben Epps Airport and crashed at approximately 1:30 p.m., where the pilot and passenger were then able to crawl out and contact emergency services on their cell phones.
Shorty after takeoff, the plane lost power and the pilot attempted to return to the airport but was unable, according to the fire department and pilot's report.
Although there was no fire, firefighters helped to disconnect the plane's power system and used foam to lessen vapors coming from a small amount fuel that began to leak as a result of the plane's damages.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.