Pilot killed when small aircraft crashes in southern Ohio

Ohio News

Pilot killed when small aircraft crashes in southern Ohio

Olivia Bennett Apr 18, 2026 0

Pilot killed when small aircraft crashes in southern Ohio

A pilot from Maryland died Thursday afternoon after a small plane crashed in a rural part of southern Ohio, authorities said.

The crash happened around 2:20 p.m. on April 17 near County Road 1A, roughly 2.7 miles west of U.S. 52 in Hamilton Township, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Troopers from the Ironton Post responded to the scene, where a 1987 Mooney M20J had crashed in a field near 8 County Road 1A. Authorities identified the pilot as David Wade of Salisbury, Maryland, and pronounced him dead at the scene.

The patrol said the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board asked it to secure the crash site. The FAA will lead the investigation to determine what caused the crash.

Officials have not released any additional information.

Olivia Bennett

Website: https://meigsindypress.com/

Olivia Bennett is a contributing writer for the Meigs Independent Press, where she covers community stories, local government, and features that highlight the people of Meigs County. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she enjoys bringing untold stories to light in a way that connects with readers. When she’s not reporting, Olivia can often be found exploring the Ohio River Valley, volunteering at local events, or working on her next creative project.