Harrison Ford Back in Action! Actor Spotted Flying for the First Time Since Crash
Harrison Ford isn't going to let a gnarly plane crash keep him down. Playing to his Hollywood action hero image, the star returned to scene of his March 5 mishap on Thursday and was photographed boarding and co-piloting a helicopter. After a brief spin, Ford landed the chopper, hugged a friend on the ground, and headed off the runway in a golf cart.
Related: Engine Failure to Blame for Harrison Ford's Plane Crash, Per NTSB Preliminary Report
The outing marks the first time Ford has been seen at the surbuban L.A. site since he was forced to make an emergency landing on a nearby golf course. The National Transportation Safety Board found that Ford's plane experienced engine failure shortly after takeoff. Ford was unable to make it back to the airport and instead landed on the green, clipping a tree on the way down and flipping the plane.
Amazingly, no bystanders were injured in the incident; the star of the Indiana Jones and Star Wars franchises only suffered moderate injuries and was released from the hospital after only five days.
Last week, Ford was spotted in public for the first time since the accident, photographed driving around Los Angeles. But until today he had not been seen walking and certainly not flying.
However, Ford was bound to get back to his passion. He explained in a 2010 interview with the U.K.'s Mail on Sunday just what it is he likes so much about it. "Flying is like good music: it elevates the spirit and it's an exhilarating freedom," he told the newspaper. "It's not a thrill thing or an adrenaline rush; it's engaging in a process that takes focus and commitment."
Related: Harrison Ford's Turbulent History of Flying
Ford's recent bumpy ride is not the only time he's had trouble in the sky; he's now had three crashes of note. Still, it doesn't look like he has plans to leave the cockpit just yet.
What else would we expect from Han Solo?