The phrase "as the first plane" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison or indicating a sequence involving the first plane in a context, such as aviation or travel.
Example: "The second plane took off shortly after as the first plane was landing."
Alternatives: "like the first plane" or "similar to the first plane".
"As soon as the first plane hit, my stomach twisted". said Ms. Stone, 41.
(Her colleague, Jumaane Stewart, went instead and managed to escape as the first plane hit the tower).
Like many off-duty officers on Sept. 11, 2001, Mr. Rodriguez headed to the disaster as soon as the first plane hit the north tower.
As the first plane struck, she was looking through a window at the city and the north tower in quiet introspection, waiting for her assignment.
I live about five blocks from the former World Trade Centre and I was at my window as the first plane struck – but this was worse.
The last time she was there was when she stepped off the PATH station escalators to the concourse just as the first plane slammed into the north tower.
The family of a Newcastle fan who died in a plane crash in Ukraine have flown to The Netherlands as the first planes carrying victims' bodies arrive.
At about 5 40 p.m. this Friday, after the initial ceremonies are done downtown, you bet my eyes will be skyward as the first planes make their way along the Verdugo hills and bank toward Olive Avenue.
I was listening to the news while dialing the shoe-repair shop and hung up as soon as I heard of the first plane hitting the tower.
As soon as he heard about the first plane crashing into the north tower he reported to his union office, collected a respirator and equipment and drove down to the site, arriving shortly after the collapse of the second tower.
By The New Yorker September 6, 2011 I was listening to the news while dialing the shoe-repair shop and hung up as soon as I heard of the first plane hitting the tower.
