Five dead in Bath County plane crash
Update 1 p.m.
BATH COUNTY – Virginia State Police (VSP) issued a second press release.
As the plane approached Ingalls Field Airport, it was "short" on its approach to the runway, according to state police. First, it struck the tops of trees, then hit the hillside.
Everyone onboard, including the pilot, died in the crash.
An official determination of cause is pending the National Transportation Safety Board investigation.
"According to the plane owner's attorney and family friend, the occupants were attending an event at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs," reads the VSP press release. "The occupants of the aircraft were the Pilot (male), First Officer (Co-pilot), (male) and three passengers, (one male, one female and a male juvenile)."
The remains were sent to the Virginia Office of the Medical Examiner in the Western District for identification. Their identities will not be release until the families are notified.
Any witnesses or anyone who might have video of the incident should reach out to investigators at witness@ntsb.gov.
Update 11:45 a.m.
BATH COUNTY – A press release from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) explained the plane crashed on approach to land at Ingalls Field Airport in Hot Spring.
The flight left from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and crashed around 3 p.m.
No victims have been identified at this time.
"An NTSB investigator arrived at the accident site this morning to being the documentation of the airplane," reads the press release. "The wreckage will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation."
The press release asks any witnesses or anyone who might have video of the incident reach out to investigators at witness@ntsb.gov.
A preliminary NTSB report is expected in the next 30 days. A final report, and a "probably cause of the crash" is expected within 12 to 24 months.
Update March 11, 11:00 a.m.
BATH COUNTY – According to a press release from the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane was a twin-engine IAI Astra 1125. It crashed near Ingall Field Airport in Hot Spring.
Original Story
BATH COUNTY – Four adults and one juvenile died in a private plane crash in Bath County on Sunday, according to a press release from Virginia State Police (VSP).
VSP officers responded to the wreck near the 6200 block of Airport Road around 3 p.m.
The plane ignited on impact, according to police. All five deceased, including the pilot, died in the crash.
Virginia State Police is working with both the Federal Aviation Administration and The National Transportation Safety Board to "confirm the flight path of the aircraft and identify the occupants." The investigation is ongoing.
Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the public transparency and justice reporter at The News Leader. Do you have a story tip or feedback? It’s welcome through email to lbordelon@gannett.com. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Five dead in Bath County plane crash
