BLAIRSTOWN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) – The pilot of a North American Navion has died after his aircraft struck trees at 9:23 a.m. Thursday at Blairstown Airport, Blairstown Township police said.
The pilot, Samuel Singer, 63, of Warren Township, NJ, was entrapped in the aircraft with serious injuries and was extricated by using the Jaws of Life, police said.
Singer was flown by Atlantic Air 1 to Morristown Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries, police said.
“A witness stated the plane had just been refueled and the plane went full throttle across both runways and into the trees. It’s still unclear what caused the plane to be in full throttle” police said.
“Our thoughts and condolences are for the family and friends of Mr. Singer,” police said.
The plane leaked fuel and the Warren County’s hazardous materials team responded to the scene.
“The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will investigate,” according to National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson Peter Knudson.
The Blairstown Township police, fire, Rescue Squad, OEM, FAA and the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office responded to the scene, police said.
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By: Jay Edwards
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(Photos Courtesy: Blairstown Township Police Department)