On Tuesday, a twin-engine cargo plane crashed near a small airport in Maine, resulting in the tragic death of both occupants onboard. The incident has prompted a federal investigation into the cause of the crash.
The Beechcraft aircraft went down in a field in the town of Litchfield at approximately 5:45 p.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash, as stated by Sarah Taylor Sulick, an NTSB spokesperson.
Details surrounding the crash remain unknown, and authorities have yet to release the identities of the two deceased individuals. Litchfield is a small town near Augusta, the state capital of Maine, and is located about 50 miles north of Portland, the largest city in the state.
In the ongoing investigation, the NTSB investigator will thoroughly document the accident site, examine the aircraft, collect witness statements, and review any available surveillance footage related to the incident. The wreckage will also be removed and analyzed offsite. A preliminary report regarding the crash is expected to be published within the next two to three weeks.
According to FlightAware, the plane had taken off from Lewiston Airport, situated approximately 18 miles away from Litchfield. Records show that the aircraft is owned by Wiggins Airways, an all-cargo airline based in Manchester, New Hampshire. The company provides time-critical feeder services for major express carriers like FedEx and UPS, as outlined on their website. However, a spokesperson for Wiggins Airways declined to comment on the crash.
The primary local authority responsible for investigating the crash is the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Maine State Police. Kennebec County Sheriff Ken Mason stated in a Facebook post that the incident scene is extensive, requiring two to three days to address. He also urged community members to be patient with non-emergency calls for service and to keep the families of the victims in their thoughts.
As the investigation progresses, more information will become available. Meanwhile, authorities will be working diligently to determine the cause of this tragic incident.
