AKRON, Ohio — Federal investigators began examining Friday what led to a fatal aircraft accident in northeast Ohio that resulted in two deaths when a small plane struck a residence and burst into flames.
The National Transportation Safety Board is spearheading the investigation in Akron, working alongside the Federal Aviation Administration and Ohio State Highway Patrol, according to officials.
Flight records show the white and blue Piper PA-28-180 departed from Akron Fulton Airport around 2:45 p.m. Thursday, remaining airborne for approximately one hour before going down in a residential neighborhood and igniting.
Witnesses at the nearby Firestone Country Club first reported the accident, as thick black smoke billowed high into the sky from the crash site.
The Akron Fire Department reported that both the struck residence and an adjacent home required evacuation because of the blaze. Fortunately, no residents or onlookers sustained injuries.
As of Friday, the Summit County Medical Examiner’s office stated that officials had not yet identified the two fatalities or contacted their next of kin.
In a statement, the Highway Patrol indicated that investigators are continuing to examine flight information, eyewitness accounts, and aircraft documentation to establish the cause. The NTSB planned to provide an update Friday afternoon.
The American Winds College of Aeronautics, located in the area, posted on Facebook late Wednesday confirming all of its aircraft were accounted for and safe. Speaking for the institution, Denise Hobart of the North East Ohio Pilots Association said they were offering prayers for the pilot, passengers and their loved ones.
