A quiet Thursday afternoon in Akron turned deadly when a small plane slammed into a house, killing two people and sending a column of black smoke curling over the Coventry Crossing neighborhood. Neighbors shared a cellphone video showing flames ripping through the wreckage as firefighters and police rushed into the subdivision. City officials said the victims' names are being withheld until families are notified.
The Akron Fire Department said crews found two people inside the aircraft after it crashed into the home and "exploded into flames," according to The Associated Press. Fire officials reported no immediate injuries inside the house and said the impacted residence and a neighboring home were evacuated as a precaution. The Federal Aviation Administration told The Associated Press the aircraft was a Piper PA-28.
Where it happened
Firefighters were called to Canterbury Circle in the Coventry Crossing development around 2:45 p.m. FlightAware tracking data show the plane took off from Akron Fulton Airport at about 2:03 p.m., according to 19 News. Akron Police Lt. Michael Murphy told the outlet the victims were the occupants of the plane and that their names have not yet been released.
Investigation underway
The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified of the crash, while local agencies remain on scene to secure the wreckage and check on nearby residents. The agency's aviation unit notes that small-plane investigations typically include on-site examinations, interviews with witnesses and a public docket of evidence that can take weeks or months to compile. For more on how those probes work, see National Transportation Safety Board resources.
Local video shared with news outlets captured a towering column of thick black smoke rising over the neighborhood, with flames clearly visible at its base, according to FOX 8 Cleveland.
The crash remains a developing story as investigators work to piece together what went wrong in the brief flight. Authorities are expected to release more details after they finish examining the scene and notifying the next of kin. This report will be updated as officials provide additional information.
