Pilot trapped under plane's wreckage for 8 hours

Authorities say the pilot radioed the Glendale Airport around 9 a.m. Wednesday, saying the home-built Varieze (very-ease) was experiencing power failure and was going down about 25 miles southeast of Glendale.

Search crews looked for the plane throughout the day and finally found the wreckage about 5 p.m. on the west side of the Gila River Indian Community reservation.

Gila River Fire Department officials say rescue crews had to remove the underside of the single-engine plane to free the unidentified pilot, who remained conscious through the ordeal.

Authorities said he was in critical condition Wednesday night at a local hospital.

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