Decatur pilot makes second emergency landing in two days

Second time was not the charm for William Lawson, a pilot with 50 years experience. The 72-year-old made his second emergency landing in two days, but this time he was injured ... as was his plane. (Photo Provided by Van Buren County Sheriff's Department / June 6, 2012)

Associated Press Report AP

2:18 p.m. EDT, June 6, 2012
BANGOR TOWNSHIP, Mich.—

Southwestern Michigan authorities say a 72-year-old pilot made an emergency landing for the second straight day, this time ending up in the hospital.

The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department says William Dawson touched down in a Bangor Township farm field Tuesday, reporting his engine was stalling.

The department says Dawson repaired the single-engine 1953 Piper Tri-pacer and tried to fly out Wednesday but again had engine trouble.

In a release, the department says he touched down in a cow pasture, but the landing gear dug in and the plane flipped.

Dawson was taken to South Haven Hospital for possible fractures and cuts to his face.

He's been a licensed pilot for about 50 years. The Decatur resident was flying his hometown to South Haven Airport.