Minor Injuries Reported When Crop Duster Attempts Landing At Airfield In Worcester County

(BERLIN, MD) — No serious injuries were reported by the driver of an ATV who was struck on the ground after pilot attempts landing at an airfield in Worcester County.

The victim is identified as Drew Eckman, 23, of Berlin, MD. Eckman was transported by the pilot of the crop duster to Atlantic General Hospital where he received medical treatment for injuries sustained in the incident.

The pilot of the plane involved is identified as Christopher Bunting, 25, of Berlin, Maryland. No charges are pending at this time. Bunting did not sustain any injuries in the incident.

The plane involved is a 1976 Grumman Agcat biplane. The plane is owned by Ocean Aerial Ads, Inc. in Berlin.

Shortly before 11:00 a.m. today, Maryland State Police at the Berlin Barrack responded to Atlantic General Hospital for the report of a victim, Eckman, who was reportedly struck by an aircraft at Bunting’s Airfield in Berlin, Maryland. Eckman advised police he had just completed an inspection of one of the crop dusting planes at the airfield where he was operating a Honda, Foreman all-terrain vehicle on the sole runway of Bunting’s Airfield. Eckman told police the plane, operated by Bunting, had just touched down on the runway when he was struck and thrown from the ATV.

The preliminary investigation indicates Eckman noticed the plane at the last moment as he attempted to get out of the way as he was crossing over the runway. He was subsequently struck and thrown from his ATV. Eckman advised that Bunting, the pilot of the biplane, exited and immediately transported Eckman to the hospital.

State Police notified officials from the Federal Aviation Administration who responded to the scene. There was nothing suspicious noted about the incident and at this time no charges are pending.

The investigation continues…