Harrison Ford Update: Cause Of Plane Crash Confirmed In New Report

Of course Han Solo wasn't responsible for a plane crash. Days after "Star Wars" actor Harrison Ford was forced to land a plane on an LA golf course, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed the cause of the star’s crash. Apparently, the amateur pilot was not to blame, but his antique World War II plane was.

Reuters reports preliminary findings from the NTSB confirm the plane’s engine failed shortly after the 72-year-old aircraft took off from Santa Monica Airport last Thursday. The report, released Tuesday, confirms Ford’s radio transmission informing the airport of the engine failure and requesting to return immediately. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to clear a tree on the golf course and had to bring the plane down for a hard landing. Luckily some doctors were golfing that day and were able to assist with the rescue, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The “Star Wars” actor was flying an antique 1942 single-engine Ryan Aeronautical ST-3KR plane, which he landed only 800 feet from the runway for which he was aiming, the report states.

Recently released photos of the actor just after the crash make his condition look dire. He suffered a broken pelvis, broken ankle and some really nasty cuts and bruises. Luckily for fans, the actor is expected to make a full recovery. Wife Calista Flockhart was photographed smiling during a recent hospital visit. However, rumors indicate she’s forbidden her husband from flying, a hobby he’s had since becoming a licensed pilot in 2002. Even Ford’s friends and co-stars have poked fun at him while wishing him well.

It’s worth pointing out that this report is only preliminary and, as NBC News notes, offers no details as to what caused the plane’s engine to fail. However, as mentioned, the plane was an antique. As of this writing, the actor is still hospitalized.

Ford can be seen reprising his role as Han Solo in J.J. Abrams’ upcoming movie “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” He will reprise his role alongside Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher to introduce a new generation to the film universe.