FAA investigator Lee Abt looks over a plane crash that took the life of William Spear in Ransom.
Michael J. Mullen / Staff Photographer
Michael J. Mullen / Staff Photographer
RANSOM TWP. - A 66-year-old Ransom Twp. man died Wednesday evening at Community Medical Center after he crashed a small aircraft in the woods off of Creek Road in Ransom Twp.
Lackawanna County Coroner Tim Rowland confirmed William Spear, 2487 Ransom Road, died at 7:09 p.m. after being transported to the emergency room at CMC. An autopsy will be scheduled.
Newton Ransom Fire Chief John Stemphoski said firefighters were called to the crash site about 300 yards off Creek Road in a heavily wooded area at about 6:03 p.m. Mr. Spear was unconscious when emergency crews reached him, Chief Stemphoski said.
"We went in by foot and with ropes," the fire chief said. "It is very difficult terrain and a steep hill."
Troopers were also called to the scene Wednesday to investigate the crash; a state police forensic unit arrived about 7:25.
Troopers at the scene said there was little information available Wednesday as to what caused the crash. Troopers and South Abington Twp. police planned to stay at the scene overnight.
Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were expected to arrive at the scene about 6:30 a.m. today, troopers at the scene said.
People who lived near the crash site gathered at the end of Creek Road Wednesday evening to talk about what may have happened. Several people said they saw a small plane flying erratically prior to the crash, according to Michele Plunkett, who was visiting her parents' home along Creek Road.
Original article and photos: http://thetimes-tribune.com
