Tragedy Strikes West Caln Township as Small Plane Crash Claims Life of Esteemed School Board Member
WEST CALN TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania — In a devastating incident on Thursday afternoon, a veteran member of the Octorara Area School District School Board lost his life when a small plane crashed in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. in West Caln Township, with the crash site identified in the 500 block of Old Wilmington Road. The ill-fated aircraft, a twin-engine Gulfstream American GA-7, came down between a residence and a cluster of trees.
While authorities have yet to release the victim’s name officially, Action News has confirmed that the casualty is Sam Ganow, a longstanding member of the Octorara Area School District School Board. The school district released a statement expressing profound grief over the tragic loss.
The crash claimed the life of a man in his 60s, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, according to information provided by the FAA. State Senator Carolyn Comitta shared her condolences on social media, expressing sorrow over the untimely passing of the Octorara School Board President.
The property where the plane crashed is reportedly owned by the Amish community, with an Amish school situated on the premises. Reports indicate that the plane went down just two minutes after taking off from the nearby Chester County Airport, as recorded by Flight Aware.
Eyewitnesses, like John Keating of West Caln Township, noted the pilot’s apparent efforts to avoid colliding with a nearby house. The crash site is located behind the residence, suggesting a potential engine failure or other complications during flight.
Interestingly, the ill-fated plane had been featured in a YouTube video titled “Rebuild Rescue,” showcasing individuals who purchase and restore planes. However, the circumstances leading to the crash remain unclear, and investigations by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are underway to determine the cause of this tragic incident.
Pilot killed in small plane crash in West Caln Township identified as longtime school board member https://t.co/z4HakQNhGw
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