DEKALB COUNTY - A small plane crashed in a field early Tuesday evening near the Country Heritage Winery.

The police report stated at approximately 5:34 p.m. DeKalb Central Communications informed the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office of an airplane that had crashed in a field in the 100 Block of County Road 68.

Upon speaking with the pilot and sole occupant of the plane, sheriffs' deputies were told that he was attempting to land in the field and that the sun was in his eyes.

he pilot, identified as Jeffrey M. Hoffman, 51, of LaOtto stated that he was unable to see a tree that was in the way and struck it with the wing of the plane causing the plane to strike the ground with the nose of the plane.

Hoffman sustained a laceration to the face, and a bruised leg and arm.

The plane listed as a 2022 Cub Crafters CCX200 was noted to be a total loss.

Hoffman initially refused treatment at the scene, but he was eventually transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center by family for treatment for his injuries.

The DeKalb Co. Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Indiana State Police, the LaOtto Fire Department, Parkview EMS, DeKalb Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States Air Force Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, DeKalb Central Communications.