A heartbreaking accident occurred near Youngstown, Ohio, when a small aircraft crashed shortly after departing from the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, tragically killing all six passengers on board. The twin-engine Cessna 441 turboprop was involved in the crash, according to information released by the Federal Aviation Administration. This devastating incident claimed the lives of four family members on vacation, as well as the pilot and co-pilot, with no survivors reported, as confirmed by Western Reserve Port Authority Executive Director Anthony Trevena at a news briefing.
The ill-fated plane was registered to Meander Air LLC in Warren, Ohio. On Monday, the Trumbull County Coroner, Lawrence D’Amico, identified those who perished in the crash. They were the aircraft’s pilot, Joseph Maxin, 63 years old; co-pilot Timothy Blake, aged 55; and passengers Veronica Weller, 68; her husband James Weller, 67; their son John Weller, 36; and his wife Maria Weller, 34. The Wellers and Blake were residents of Hubbard, Ohio, while Maxin resided in Canfield. Reports indicate that the family, who owned steel manufacturing businesses in the local area, had been heading for a vacation in Montana.
Joseph Maxin held a significant role within the port authority as the director of compliance. He was noted for his dedication to the community, previously serving as an assistant prosecutor for the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office. The port authority expressed their sorrow, praising Maxin as a dedicated public servant and skilled pilot who had committed his life to serving the Mahoning Valley.
The aircraft crashed in a densely wooded area, complicating recovery efforts, according to Howland Township Fire Chief Raymond Pace. Chief Pace remarked on the potential for an even greater tragedy, pointing out that the crash site was near several homes. However, fortunately, no additional casualties on the ground were reported.
The intended destination of the plane was Bozeman, Montana, as indicated by publicly available flight tracking data. Michael Hillman, president of the aviation company JETS FBO Network, spoke highly of the individuals involved, stating, “These were the best of the best both on the ground and in the air.” He expressed his personal grief and wish to have prevented the day’s tragic events.
The Federal Aviation Administration, in conjunction with the National Transportation Safety Board, has launched an investigation into this tragic event. Authorities have not yet determined a cause and are appealing to the public for any surveillance footage or relevant information to assist in their ongoing investigation.