About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Marion Co. Sheriff's Office by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Click here to add Marion Co. Sheriff's Office to your Twitter account or create one.
@MCSOInTheKnow
The pilot and passenger involved in yesterday's plane crash have been identified as Anthony Pate, age 64 of Sherwood and Dick Omen, age 70. Deputies belive that Mr. Pate was attemtping to land from the south of the airport when he struck a fence and radio antenna causing the plane to crash.
Deputies have completed their portion of the investigation and have left the scene to be further processed by the NTSB and the FAA. For any additional details or comments please contact the FAA or NTSB.
*****************
Today at 3:35 p.m., deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene of a plane crash at the Aurora Airport.
The initial investigation is showing that a Piper Malibu Mirage was attempting to land when it struck a radio antenna sending the plane into the ground. The pilot and passenger both escaped the crash with what appears to be minor injury.
Deputies will continue their investigation in coordination with the FAA. The Sheriff’s Office will release the name of the pilot once deputies have competed their investigation. That time frame is not yet know.