Pilot dies after small plane crashes into river on Maryland's Eastern Shore, officials say

EASTON, Md. (AP) — The pilot of a small plane died Tuesday morning after an engine failure caused the aircraft to crash into a river on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, authorities said.

The twin-engine Cessna 402 crashed into the water near Easton around 9:30 a.m. after the pilot reported engine failure, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement. The pilot was the only person aboard and has not been identified.

The victim was recovered from the water and pronounced dead by medics, according to Maryland State Police. They said an autopsy would be performed.

Witnesses called 911 Tuesday morning after watching the crash take place on the Tred Avon River, not far from the airport in Easton where the plane was set to land. It took off earlier Tuesday morning from Tipton Airport at Fort Meade, about 50 miles (81 kilometers) northwest of Easton.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating why the crash occurred and plans to release a preliminary report in about 30 days. The agency said two investigators were on their way to the scene Tuesday afternoon. Once the aircraft is removed from the water, it will be moved to a secure facility for evaluation, officials said.

Records show the plane is owned by The University Research Foundation based in Greenbelt, Maryland, which operates aircraft out of the Fort Meade airport to conduct environmental testing and other research, according to its website. Company officials didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment Tuesday.

The U.S. Coast Guard said a crew from its station in Oxford was responding to the crash. Maryland State Police said they were responding with Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police and the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department.