Civil Air Patrol authorities have identified the person killed when a small plane crashed into a pair of down town Anchorage buildings early Tuesday.
CAP also said the flight was not sanctioned by the agency.
In a statement, the Civil Air Patrol said 1st Lt. Doug Demarest was the person killed in the crash of the Cessna 172S.
“The pilot was not authorized to fly the aircraft,” CAP officials wrote. “He joined CAP in 2010.”
CAP spokeswoman Julie DeBardelaben wouldn’t say whether Demarest was the pilot of the aircraft, or how many people were on board. “All that's still under investigation now,” DeBardelaben said.
The small plane hit two buildings in downtown Anchorage early Tuesday morning killing one occupant of the plane and sparking a fire.
Though officials say they have no reason to believe the crash is related to terrorism, the FBI is assisting in the investigation.
"Some evidence warrant us bringing them into the investigation," National Transportation Safety Board Alaska Region Chief Clint Johnson said. He declined to elaborate further.
Anchorage police said they first received reports that a small plane crashed into the Brady Building, a office building on West Fourth Avenue, at 6:19 a.m. Tuesday.
Anchorage police spokeswoman Anita Shell said the plane was reported to be fully engulfed in flames within minutes. By 6:53, Anchorage Fire Department officials said the fire was extinguished and firefighters were working to control smoke in buildings.
The scene of the crash is near a very popular local cafe' where many locals and tourists gather for breakfast. We're very blessed to have no other injuries.
p.s. A heartfelt "thank you!" to several who e-mailed privately to make sure we're okay.
9 comments:
Doug! Aw, hell. My condolences to his family.
Wing, no one can figure out why he was in that plane, without permission, on an unscheduled flight at that hour. I'm sure we've not heard the last of it.
Hate to hear that... Glad you're okay!
NFO, the crash site is just about a block away from the hotel where both my wife & daughter used to work. It's good that it happened so early in the morning.
This is a sad story and will surly give CAP a black eye. As a CAP member I am concerned about his ability to have access to the plane. Past that I can't comment.
YIKES!
Terrible...but glad you all are okay.
gfa
Rob, I was wondering what you'd think about it. The plane is now being reported as stolen, according to Channel 2 News here. Looks less & less like an "accident".
Thanks, Guffaw. Due to the hour, very few were out & about, and the early birds in the office building were on the other side of the structure. The outcome could have been far worse.
Padre, I would comment more. but just about anyone with any kind of intelligence knows to keep our mouths closed. If I had your email I would share what I think is going to happen after all is said and done. I do however value my time with CAP. Lose lips sink ships....
I recieved an email from MN Wing yesterday afternoon, talking about what is known so far.
Rob, I understand. If you ever need it, my e-mail is manager208 AT gmail DOT com.
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