Radio traffic from airplane crash & fire in Roanoke, Virginia. Pilot dead as plane hits building near airport.
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From the AP:
A Charlottesville pilot died Tuesday after his single-engine plane crashed into a UPS Freight building and burst into flames near Roanoke Regional Airport.
Peter Sheeran, 59, died at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, spokeswoman Allison Buth said. Sheeran was taken there with passenger John Whitmer, who was listed in serious condition, Buth said.
No other injuries were reported.
Sheeran’s plane, which took off at 1 p.m., hit power lines and crashed into a corner of the building, said Jennifer Conley Sexton, a spokeswoman for the Roanoke County Fire Department.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating. A preliminary report is expected in about 10 business days, NTSB spokeswoman Bridget Serchak said in an e-mail.
The 1985 Piper PA-46 is owned by Aviation Development Group Inc. of Charlottesville, according to FAA records. Government records list Sheeran as president of that company and of Sheeran Architects. The businesses share an address in Charlottesville.
