FREEDOM - A private pilot from the Freedom-Ossipee area was rushed by helicopter to Maine Medical Center after his vintage plane crashed in the middle of a vacant lumberyard.

Local police were called to the scene of the crash at about 1:30 p.m. Police and rescue crews found the pilot's injuries to be serious, said Sgt. James Mullen.

"I can't comment on how serious the injuries were aside from saying the man had to be airlifted," Mullen said.

The National Transportation Safety Board has taken control of the investigation into the crash. he said.

The plane, 1936 Stinson SR-7B appeared to have rolled over some piled logs in the Freedom Woodyard, which was was vacant of workers on Sunday afternoon.

Neighbors said they hadn't heard the crash.

The plane crashed about a mile from two "aviation communities," or home associations with small airports.

The plane is registered to Starfire Aviation, LLC of Conway.