The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into a tragic single-engine plane crash that claimed the life of a 26-year-old pilot from the Town of Tonawanda. Melanie Georger, a passionate aviation enthusiast, was pronounced dead at the crash site along the Niagara Scenic Parkway on Saturday.
According to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, the Cessna 208B aircraft piloted by Georger plummeted to the ground around 12:30pm. Initial findings from the Sheriff's Office revealed that Georger was the sole occupant of the plane, which was returning to land after dropping off skydivers from Skydive the Falls.
Georger attended Kenmore East and obtained a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the University at Buffalo. Afterward, she started working to be a commercial pilot. Her father said that she was, "on the cusp of realizing her dream to fly for the airlines. She was doing what she loved.”
NTSB investigators arrived at the crash site on Monday to meticulously examine the wreckage. The fuselage of the plane was carefully loaded onto a trailer while a section of the tail was lifted and moved using a small crane. The NTSB stated that they would refrain from speculating on the cause of the crash as they gather potential evidence at the scene.
The investigation will focus on three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment. NTSB investigators will gather information such as flight track data, air traffic control communications recordings, aircraft maintenance records, weather forecasts, and actual weather conditions during the time of the accident. They will also review the pilot's license, ratings, and flight experience, as well as conduct a background check to determine any factors that may have affected the pilot's ability to safely operate the flight.
The NTSB has requested that anyone who witnessed the crash or possesses surveillance video or other relevant information contact them at witness@ntsb.gov. A preliminary report, detailing the factual information surrounding the crash, is expected to be released within 30 days. The final report, which will include probable causes and contributing factors, could take 12-24 months to be released to the public.
The NTSB's thorough investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances leading to this tragic plane crash with the ultimate goal of enhancing aviation safety and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Melanie Georger during this difficult time.