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‘I’m thankful I didn’t get hurt. I appreciate everything they did for me’ Pilot thanks those who rescued him after crash

GETTYSBURG, Pa. – On February 27, Herbert Bartell, 87, was flying when he had engine issues and ended up landing in a tree near Gettysburg, Adams County. ...

GETTYSBURG, Pa. - On February 27, Herbert Bartell, 87, was flying when he had engine issues and ended up landing in a tree near Gettysburg, Adams County.

"I had on my mind that I was safe, nothing happened to me. I just kept watching the excitement down there while I sat," he said.

Wednesday night the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority recognized the first responders that worked together to save Bartell. It took more than three and a half hours to get Bartell out of the plane.

Adams Regional EMS, the Gettysburg Fire Department, the York and Fredrick County Advanced Technical Rescue Teams, Friendship Hose #1, out of Silver Spring, and the Adams County Communications Center employees were are recognized by the Authority.

"This case, everything worked out, patience came through and hard work of a whole group of people really worked its way out and was a success," said Chief Frank Wirth of the Harrisburg International Fire Department.

A rescue like this is rare and one no one will soon forget. It will not keep Bartell from flying in fact, he has purchased a plane and plans to paint it to look just like his old one.

"My wife passed away and this is my life, flying, and it was before that. She always went with me when we flew. So I'm going to continue and she'll be with me," he said.

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