MANSFIELD, Ohio–UPDATED 10:03 p.m.–A Mansfield couple has been confirmed to have perished in a plane crash in Smyth County, Virginia.
Michael Kelly of Baltimore, Maryland, has confirmed that his in-laws, George and Pam Fonseca, were piloting their twin engine plane to Mansfield Lahm Airport from their winter home in Florida. Tragedy struck during what Virginia state police said appeared to be maneuvers intended to avoid pockets of bad weather over a remote area of Virginia.
When contacted, Bill Schmidt of Schmidt Security Pro and member of the Mansfield Airport Commission, made note of the Fonseca’s passion for flying and their commitment to aviation.
“Their death is a great loss to Mansfield, and especially the aviation community. The Fonsecas were true stewards of the airport and great supporters of aviation activities.”
The couple were lifetime members of the Experimental Aircraft Association and very active in the Mansfield Aviation Club, Schmidt said. “Pam was instrumental in organizing the kids activities for Airport Days.”
Our original story is below.
SALTVILLE, Va.–Wreckage of an aircraft missing since Monday has been located on Flat Top Mountain in Smyth County, Virginia, east of Saltville. There were no survivors, according to Virginia State Police.
The plane was traveling from Daytona, Florida to Mansfield Lahm Airport, Ohio when it went missing Monday. The aircraft, a 1965 Beechcraft Baron 55 twin engine plane, was owned by LWF Holdings Inc., a corporation registered in Dover, Delaware.
In an update at 4:13 p.m. Tuesday, the Bristol Herald Courier reported that two to three people were aboard the plane. Virginia State Police said that family members of those killed in the crash have been notified, but the names have not been released to the public.
According to WDBJ7 news in Virginia, the plane was spotted by a Virginia State Police helicopter around 12:35 p.m. Tuesday. Troopers arrived at the scene of the crash around 3:05 p.m.
The plane lost radio contact around 12:40 p.m. Monday. Based on information from the radar, it appears the pilot was attempting to avoid weather pockets, according to state police. While making the maneuver, the plane crashed into the side of Flat Top Mountain.
The video below from WDBJ7 news in Virginia shows how the plane’s flight path changed prior to the crash.
The National Transportation and Safety Board is investigating the incident.
