Crop duster pilot injured in crash in eastern Iowa

MONTICELLO, Iowa — Officials say the pilot of crop duster was injured in a crash near the Monticello airport in eastern Iowa, but he managed to walk away and get help.

Jason Blanke, of Mandeville, La., was injured when his plane crashed Wednesday afternoon about a mile from the airport in an area with timber and corn fields.

Blanke walked to the nearest highway and called a co-worker for help.

Blanke, who suffered possible broken bones, was taken to University Hospitals in Iowa City.

Jones County Chief Deputy Greg Graver says it was “amazing” that Blanke was able to walk away from the wreckage.

Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration were expected at the site on today.