Plane crashes after takeoff from Ohio airport

FINDLAY, Ohio (AP) -- A single-engine plane crashed and skidded into an abandoned quarry Wednesday, but the pilot was able to walk away, authorities said.

Airport manager Bob Johnston said the unidentified pilot climbed out of the wreckage and called the fire department for assistance.

The plane had just taken off from the airport and was classified as a light sport aircraft, which is bigger than an ultralight but smaller than a conventional single-engine plane, he said.

The pilot was trying to turn the plane back toward the airstrip when he attempted to set the plane down near the quarry, witnesses and emergency responders said.

The plane landed but then skidded, went airborne and dropped down into the quarry where it caught fire, witnesses said.

Rescuers had to rappel down a cliff to get to the wreckage.

The cause of the crash has not been determined.