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Exclusive: Parents Of NJ Plane Crash Victim Speak Of The Young Pilot

FRANKLINVILLE, N.J. (CBS) -- The parents of a 20-year-old pilot who crashed his banner plane in August spoke exclusively with Eyewitness News about their young son and his love of flying.

Flying high is a life long passion for Jason Flood of Franklinville, New Jersey. He loves acrobatics and flew in last year's Atlantic City Air Show.

"Every time I watched him fly, even in a contest I'd cry because I'm so prud of him", says Flood's father Joseph Flood.

He says Flood would have gone this year, instead a small plane crash on August 2nd left him in critical but stable condition in a medically induced coma at Cooper University Hospital. (see related story)

"He had back surgery, his right leg was pretty broken up, he has pneumonia", says Joseph Flood.

Jason Flood flies banner planes at the shore between semesters at Mercer County College. He crashed after attempting to pick up a banner.

"Whatever happened... He did the best he could because you don't have much time", says Joseph Flood.

He is a pilot too and says his son was 12 when he started handling the controls when the two flew together.

"He was doing what he loved", says Janet Flood. She says they don't know if her son will walk or ever fly again, but they don't regret giving him wings.

"The satisfaction he drew from it made him the person he is", says Janet Flood.

The family is grateful for everyone's prayers. They believe more will help. They are updating his progress and accepting support through a website www.caringbridge.org/visit/JasonFlood

Reported by Robin Rieger, CBS 3

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