TRENTON, Maine — Two people aboard a small single-engine aircraft were killed when the plane crashed just off the runway Thursday afternoon, according to the manager of the Bar Harbor Airport in Trenton.
Hancock County officials confirmed around 12:30 p.m. that they received reports of the crash.
Federal Aviation Administration officials confirmed with NEWS CENTER Maine in a preliminary report that a single-engine plane, a Cirrus SR22 aircraft, with two people on board crashed around 12:25 p.m. while it was attempting to approach the airport.
Airport Manager Leroy Muise said in a statement that the aircraft departed from Morristown Municipal Airport in New Jersey around 10:16 a.m. and crashed on its descent just off the runway. The plane then caught fire.
“Regrettably, two souls aboard the aircraft lost their lives as a result of the crash and ensuing fire,” Muise said.
“We wish to thank all emergency response personnel from the many agencies that assisted us today, along with the members of the public that kindly detoured as requested,” Muise added.
Maine Department of Public Safety officials identified the victims Friday morning.
The pilot was identified as 71-year-old Michael Leibowitz of Charleston, South Carolina. The passenger was identified as 57-year-old Christina Chung of Livingston, New Jersey.
The FAA confirmed their agency and the National Transportation Safety Board would be investigating the crash, and updates on that investigation would be provided by the NTSB.
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