Engine Failure Causes Plane to Crash into Hangar at New Century AirCenter; Two Injured

Image courtesy Canva

A mechanical malfunction is being blamed for a mid‑afternoon crash involving a twin‑engine Beech King Air at New Century AirCenter in Johnson County on June 16, according to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The incident unfolded around 1:18 p.m. as the aircraft was flying southbound when the left engine failed. The pilot, 73‑year‑old Leslie Gorden of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, lost control, and the plane veered left, colliding with a nearby building.

Two individuals on board sustained injuries. Gorden was transported to Overland Park Regional Health Center with pain complaints; his condition has been classified as possible injury. The passenger, 30‑year‑old Delaney Rindal of Wasilla, Arkansas, is listed as having suspected minor injuries. Both were wearing safety restraints at the time.

The crash site was quickly secured by emergency services. Airport operations remained largely unaffected, and the aircraft was subsequently removed from the hangar by New Century Airport staff.

Further investigation is ongoing by the Kansas Highway Patrol to determine the precise cause of the engine malfunction and to confirm there was no damage or injuries inside the affected building.

Butler Avionics addressed the situation on its Facebook page, stating, “We are very fortunate that no Butler personnel were injured when the plane impacted our hangar. Our thoughts and prayers are with the two pilots who we saw walk out of the airplane to receive assistance from First Responders. Neither the pilots nor the plane are affiliated with Butler. We also take the opportunity to thank the First Responders, Airport Team and other professionals for their quick response!”

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