The pilot who died in a plane crash was a grandfather, a church elder and the president of his local school board. The cause of the plane crash is still unknown but those who knew the victim spoke about what he meant to them. NBC10’s Johnny Archer spoke with the victim’s friend and colleague.
The pilot of a small plane died after crashing in the back of a property in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, West Caln Township police announced.
The crash occurred around 1:40 p.m. Thursday on the 500 block of Old Wilmington Road.
Federal Aviation Administration officials reported that only the pilot was on board at the time of the crash.
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The superintendent of Octorara Area School District, Dr. Steven Leever, announced on the district's website that the pilot who died was 65-year-old School Board President Sam Ganow.
"Mr. Ganow was not only a dedicated member of the Octorara Area School District School Board but also a cherished and respected member of our community. Mr. Ganow served the Octorara community as a school board member for 26 years. His commitment to education and his tireless efforts to enhance the educational experience for our students made a lasting impact on our school district," Dr. Leever said in a statement.
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"I don’t think for any of us this has really settled in, and in the coming days when we get to talk with his wife, I think it will become a little more of a reality," Leever said. "Right now I don’t think we truly processed what it means."
The superintendent said Ganow was very active in his church, an avid runner and skier.
"Knowing how experienced he was, knowing everything that went into his flying and background, it’s really a shock. He was very experienced. He flew all the time," Leever said.
The school district said Ganow has a wife, 3 children and 8 grandchildren.
The FAA reported that the plane involved was a twin-engine Grumman American GA-7.
The plane came from Chester County airport, officials said.
Skyforce10 was over the scene just before 2:30 p.m. on Thursday where the plane could be seen crashed in what appears to be someone's backyard.
The plane was on the ground along the tree line behind a house.
The FAA is partnering with the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the incident.
Investigators will be reviewing the records of the flight, including flight track data, recordings of any air traffic control communications, weather forecasts and witness statements.
If you witnessed the crash or have any information, please click here.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
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