Small Plane Crashes in Field in Bowie

The pilot of a small plane is injured after crashing the plane in a field in Bowie, Maryland, police say.

The single-engine Cessna 172 crashed near Church Road at Fairview Vista Road Thursday night, Maryland State Police said.

Troopers responded about 6:20 p.m. and found the plane upside-down in the trees.

The pilot, 72-year-old Michael Paul Pillsbury, said he was making his final approach to land at Freeway Airport in Bowie and that he couldn't see the tree line as he was approaching the airport because there was no lighting.

Pillsbury was alert and able to walk out of the woods, police said. He was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Investigators said there was no sign of fuel leaking or hazardous materials after the crash. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Stay with News4 and NBCWashington.com for updates on this developing story.

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