JAFFREY, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A pilot suffered serious injuries after a small aircraft crashed near the runway at Jaffrey Airport on Friday morning, according to local authorities.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the Silver Ranch Airpark shortly before noon after reports that a single-engine aircraft had gone down in a field adjacent to the runway. Responders arrived to find the pilot, the sole occupant of the plane, trapped inside the wreckage.

Firefighters and emergency medical personnel worked to free the man, who was later identified as 75-year-old Ronald Jones of Brookline. Officials said he sustained significant facial injuries and complained of back pain following the crash. Despite his injuries, Jones was conscious and able to communicate with rescuers.

After being treated and stabilized at the scene, Jones was transported by UMass Life Flight helicopter to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Preliminary findings indicate the aircraft, a Sonex fixed-wing airplane, was attempting to depart the runway when its propeller reportedly stopped operating. Investigators believe the apparent mechanical failure caused the aircraft to crash into a nearby field shortly after takeoff.

The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to oversee the crash investigation.

Jaffrey police expressed appreciation for the coordinated response from airport staff and multiple emergency agencies, including the Jaffrey Fire Department, Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial Ambulance, Peterborough Fire and Rescue, Peterborough Ambulance, and UMass Life Flight.