Derek Leichliter, 39, killed in small plane crash in Kodiak, Alaska
Witnesses: Plane that crashed near Kodiak spiraled downward
A report says witnesses told investigators an amateur-built kit airplane made a steep turn and entered a downward spiral before crashing shortly after take-off from a Kodiak airport.
Pilot dies in Kodiak plane crash
Kodiak police identified the pilot as Derek Leichliter. He was reportedly headed to Saltery Cove for a hunting trip.
The aircraft was not carrying any passengers and there’s been little information gathered so far by crash investigators, according to Clint Johnson, National Transportation Safety Board’s Alaska office chief.
Soldotna man killed in Sunday plane crash in Kodiak
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Derek Leichliter, following a tragic plane crash in Kodiak,” the Kenai Municipal Airport wrote in a post on its Facebook page. “Derek was a member of our Airport Commission, an Airport Lessee, Airport Electrical Contractor and friend. We are sending condolences to the Leichliter family during this difficult time.”
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