A gofundme drive has been set up for the Warren County pilot seriously injured in the July ultralight plane crash in Russell.

“As many of you know, Ben Sudul was in an airplane accident that has left him in very serious condition,” long-time friend Dave Wilkins, who set up the account, said. “From his vast list of injuries, his road to recovery is going to be a very long one.”

Sudul was flying his Flightstar II ultralight out of a private air strip near the north end of Big Four Road during the evening of Thursday, July 14. The passenger in the two-seat aircraft said they were staying close to the ground doing “hops” – returning to land shortly after take-off.

After one take-off, the plane hit the top of a tree, the passenger said.

From there, the plane crashed into Akeley Run, which had a few inches of water running through it.

Both Sudul and the passenger were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

According to responders, the plane was on its side and had to be set back on its wheels before Sudul could be removed from the vehicle.

He was then taken to Russell and flown by emergency helicopter for treatment. The passenger was treated at the scene.

“Ben is going to need us through this process of his recovery,” Wilkins said. “With all the trips to Erie, hospital costs, doctor appointment costs, and everyday living costs, this is going to be very taxing on Ben and his family.”

“If I ever needed anything, he was always there to lend a hand,” he said. “He’s a heck of a good man and a great friend to many. He and his family need our help. Any amount you can spare would be a great blessing to Ben and his family in their time of need. Thank you and God bless you all.”

After two days, the gofundme account had raised almost $6,000 of a listed target of $10,000. It can be found at: https://gofund.me/bc8f178b