Pilot Critically Injured in Haddam Plane Crash

One person was critically injured when a plane crashed into a house in Haddam Saturday afternoon, according to state police.

Police said they responded around 4 p.m. to Little Meadow Road near Eagle Landing State Park for reports of a plane crash. Witnesses reported the plane crashed into a house.

"We had a plane take off from Goodspeed Airport," said Lt. Chris Johnson of the Connecticut State police. "It appeared to have some kind of mechanical trouble, appears to circle back. On an attempt to circle back it ended up crashing into one of the cottages we have over here."

Police said the pilot, identified as Benjamin Temple, 46, of East Rockaway, NY was the only occupant of the plane. He suffered critical injuries and was transported to the hospital by Lifestar.

There was one man in the house at the time but he was unharmed. There is major damage to the roof and interior of the home, according to the homeowner. He's grateful it wasn't worse.

"Thank god I wasn't hurt. I feel wonderful. I'm a little uptight now but the Good Lord was looking down at me," homeowner Norman Hanenbaum said.

Police said Eversource was also called to the scene because the crash knocked out power to nearly 300 residents. As of 5:50 p.m., Eversource said all those customers were back on.