Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Friday, December 13, 2024 77° Today's Paper


Top News

Police identify pilot killed in fiery plane crash in Georgia

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board and FAA remove a black box from a crashed Cessna Citation I, Saturday, March 25, 2017, in Kennesaw, Ga.

ATLANTA >> Police have identified the pilot who was killed in a fiery crash of a small plane in suburban Atlanta.

Cobb County Police told local news outlets Sunday that 78-year-old Robert George Westlake died in the crash Friday evening. The Cessna Citation I crashed in a subdivision, setting a house ablaze.

FAA spokesman Rick Breitenfeldt said it happened about 3 miles from an airport in Cobb County, just northwest of Atlanta.

Federal investigators said Saturday that the pilot told air traffic controllers before the crash that he was having an issue with the autopilot feature.

Cobb County Fire Department spokeswoman Denell Boyd said the plane was on its way to Fulton County Airport when it crashed next to a house and exploded.

No one on the ground was hurt.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.