A pilot was killed Thursday morning when a small airplane crashed into a home near the Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport, destroying the residence and triggering a large emergency response.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 10:46 a.m. on Bennett School House Road in Harrison Township.
✈️ PLANE CRASHES SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF
Investigators say a 2006 Cirrus SR20 single-engine aircraft had just departed from the Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport and was in its initial climb when something went wrong.
The aircraft, piloted by 76-year-old Kurt W. Paulus of Delaware, Ohio, crashed into a residence on the south side of Bennett School House Road.
Authorities said the plane’s intended destination was Delaware, Ohio.
Paulus died at the scene.
🏠 HOME DESTROYED BY FIRE
The house struck by the aircraft was occupied at the time of the crash.
Remarkably, the two people inside the residence were not injured.
However, the impact caused the home to catch fire.
Officials reported that the residence sustained total damage.
🚨 MASSIVE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The crash brought a large number of emergency agencies to the scene, including:
- Ohio State Highway Patrol
- Scioto County Sheriff’s Office
- Minford Fire Department and EMS
- Scioto County Emergency Management Agency
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- The Salvation Army
Emergency crews worked throughout the day to secure the area and assist investigators.
⚖️ FAA AND NTSB TAKING OVER INVESTIGATION
While local authorities handled the initial response, the investigation into what caused the crash will largely fall to federal aviation investigators.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have both been notified and will conduct separate investigations.
Investigators will examine:
- The aircraft’s condition
- Weather conditions
- Flight records
- Pilot information
- Witness statements
- Wreckage evidence
NTSB investigations can take months, and in some cases more than a year, before a final determination is released.
👀 CLOSE CALL FOR THOSE INSIDE
While the crash claimed the life of the pilot, officials say the outcome could have been far worse.
The two residents inside the home escaped without injury despite the aircraft striking the house and the fire that followed.
The crash remains under investigation.
