TRENTON, Maine — Two people aboard a small single-engine aircraft were killed when the plane crashed just off the runway Thursday afternoon, according to the manager of the Bar Harbor Airport in Trenton.
Hancock County officials confirmed around 12:30 p.m. that they received reports of the crash.
Federal Aviation Administration officials confirmed with NEWS CENTER Maine in a preliminary report that a single-engine plane, a Cirrus SR22 aircraft, with two people on board crashed around 12:25 p.m. while it was attempting to approach the airport.
Airport Manager Leroy Muise said in a statement that the aircraft departed from Morristown Municipal Airport in New Jersey around 10:16 a.m. and crashed on its descent just off the runway. The plane then caught fire.
"Regrettably, two souls aboard the aircraft lost their lives as a result of the crash and ensuing fire," Muise said.
"We wish to thank all emergency response personnel from the many agencies that assisted us today, along with the members of the public that kindly detoured as requested," Muise added.
Maine Department of Public Safety officials identified the victims Friday morning.
The pilot was identified as 71-year-old Michael Leibowitz of Charleston, South Carolina. The passenger was identified as 57-year-old Christina Chung of Livingston, New Jersey.
The FAA confirmed their agency and the National Transportation Safety Board would be investigating the crash, and updates on that investigation would be provided by the NTSB.
The Cirrus SR22 and its predecessor, the SR20, reportedly "changed the face of aviation" when they were introduced into the market in 1999 (SR20) and 2001 (SR22), according to the National Air and Space Museum.
The museum also stated that the SR22 built in an added safety feature with a ballistic parachute system, which they described as being "integral to the design."
All Cirrus SR Series planes are built with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System, or CAPS, which the manufacturer said should be activated in the event of a life-threatening emergency.
The Bar Harbor Airport in Trenton is located about halfway between Ellsworth and Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island and offers year-round nonstop service to and from Boston with Cape Air, which partners with Jet Blue Airways, according to the airport website.
A spokesperson with Cape Air confirmed the aircraft that crashed was not involved in their fleet and shared a brief statement.
"Our thoughts and well wishes go out to those involved and hope that all the parties are OK," the spokesperson told NEWS CENTER Maine.
The airport is owned by Hancock County with oversight and authority by Hancock County Commissioners, per an agreement reached by the county and Bar Harbor town councilors in 1962, the website also states.
NEWS CENTER Maine has reached out to Hancock County Commissioners for comment and will update if we hear back.
Emergency officials with the Maine State Police were assisted by the fire marshal's office, fire departments from Trenton, Ellsworth, and Bar Harbor, as well as the Hancock County Sheriff's Office.
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