Glider crashes in Middlefield Township

MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP -- At 3:57 p.m. Sunday, the Chardon Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a glider crash on State Route 608 at Georgia Road. 

According to OSHP, after the glider and tow aircraft propelled off from the Geauga County Airport, it reached an approximate altitude of 150 - 200 feet. 

In order for the glider to safely return to the airport and land, the tow line was released.

The glider was described as a silver L-13 Blanik, which lost control when it turned back to the east during its return to the airport.

It struck a utility pole and crashed into the Middlefield Farm and Garden parking lot.

The business wasn't operating during this time, and no one was injured on the ground. 

David Nuss, the 52-year-old pilot of the glider was transported from the scene to Geauga County hospital. 

The Cortland resident was then flown by helicopter to Cleveland Metro Hospital. 

Victoria Ponti, a 13-year-old student from Eastlake was on board the aircraft at the time of the crash. 

Ponti was flown from the scene to Rainbow Babies and Children's hospital in Cleveland.