Jackson teen miraculous survives plane crash

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — A local man from a longtime ranching family in Jackson Hole is in rough shape after miraculously surviving a plane crash last week in New Mexico.

Landon Lucas, 19, was involved in a serious plane crash on April 9 which claimed the life of the co-pilot of the small aircraft. While Lucas is expected to survive, his injuries are extensive.

Lucas broke every bone in both legs as well as seven broken ribs. His pelvis became detached from his spinal column. All of his teeth were knocked out and most of the bones in his face have been shattered.

Lucas continues to undergo several surgeries, the latest to address internal bleeding and lung issues. He also has undergone a cardiac operation to repair his aorta. Lucas is still on a ventilator and has a feeding tube until he is more stable. Neurologically, doctors are uncertain as to the extent of long-lasting damage.

“I know in my heart that life will be good for him again. Maybe not perfect, but good,” Lucas’ mother Rita stated yesterday. “We know that by the grace of God, shattered bodies can heal. The pain will subside and he will once again feel joy which comes so naturally to him. His life will be good again.”

If the name sounds familiar, Lucas was involved in a scary emergency landing last summer in Atlantic City after his engine died. Lucas, then 18 and working for an aerial advertising banner company at time, set the 1946 Piper Cub down on a busy bridge in New Jersey.

A Caring Bridge website has been set up for the Lucas family.