NTSB investigating Vienna plane crash that killed 3

VIENNA, Ohio (WKBN) — The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating an airplane crash that killed three people at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport in Vienna on Friday night.

Anthony Trevena, executive director of the Western Reserve Port Authority, confirmed the crash resulted from an unscheduled, emergency landing of an airplane unassociated with Youngstown Air Reserve’s 910th wing.

According to the Ohio State Patrol, the aircraft was occupied by a pilot and two passengers. All three of the occupants died as a result of the crash, which occurred just after 7 p.m. at the end of runway 14. The NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the scene.

The NTSB told First News the plane was a Beechcraft BE-60 airplane and that the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The FAA also stated that the plane took off from Plattsburg International Airport in Plattsburg, New York. The final destination of the aircraft is currently unknown.

The NTSB also said two investigators will be on site Saturday to document the wreckage, which will be moved to a secure facility for further investigation.

According to NTSB, the investigation process will involve three areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. A final report can be expected in 12 to 24 months, which will include a probable cause of the crash and any contributing factors.

Information will be gathered on:

• Flight track data
• Recordings of any air traffic control communications
• Aircraft maintenance records
• Weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions around the time of the accident
• Pilot’s license, ratings and recency of flight experience
• 72-hour background of the pilot to determine if there were any issues that could have affected the pilot’s ability to safety operate the flight
• Witness statements
• Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation
• Any available surveillance video, including from doorbell cameras

The NTSB is asking anyone who has witnessed the accident, has surveillance video or knows any relevant information to contact the board at witness@ntsb.gov.

After the crash, First News’ weather camera detected a cloud of smoke near the runway.

A viewer driving by took photos of the aftermath shown below.

Janice Thomas lives nearby and described hearing the plane flying over before crashing.

“It was just a strange, strange sound — that whining and getting louder and louder, but I didn’t realize till the 11 p.m. news that it was actually the plane that crashed. So, that shocked me. My prayers are out for the families that were involved. It’s really sad,” Thomas said.

This is a developing story. Check back here for the latest updates.

Erin Yudt and Wilson Corbisello contributed to this report.

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