Albemarle County, Virginia
Updated: 9.20.22 to include VSP pilot’s identity
“Virginia State Police responded to a fatal plane crash that occurred Sept. 14, 2022 in Albemarle County.
Shortly before 11:30 p.m., Albemarle County received a distress call from a pilot. Despite efforts to direct the pilot to land at the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, the private, single-engine aircraft was unable to make it and crashed into a wooded area near Plank Rd. and Stillhouse Creek Rd. The impact of the crash caused the Piper fixed-wing aircraft to catch fire. State Police Aviation assisted ground crews with locating the wreckage.
On Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, the Office of the Medical Examiner notified state police that it had positively confirmed the pilot’s identity. The pilot, Kevin J. Esh, 30, of New Holland, Penn., was the plane’s only occupant.
The aircraft had taken off from Blue Ridge Regional Airport in Martinsville, Va. and was headed to Pennsylvania.
State police notified the NTSB and FAA. The NTSB is now the primary agency investigating the crash.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”
Updated: 8:10 AM to include VSP preliminary info:
A article by Hawes Spencer at the Daily Progress can be found here.
“Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal plane crash that occurred late Wednesday night (Sept. 14, 2022) in Albemarle County.
Shortly before 11:30 p.m., Albemarle County received a distress call from a pilot. Despite efforts to direct the pilot to land at the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, the private, single-engine aircraft was unable to make it and crashed into a wooded area near Plank Rd. and Stillhouse Creek Rd. The impact of the crash caused the aircraft to catch fire. State Police Aviation assisted ground crews with locating the wreckage.
The pilot, and only occupant of the aircraft, did not survive the crash. His remains have been transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy, examination and positive identification.
State police has notified the NTSB and FAA. Both are en route to the scene to conduct an investigation.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”
Original story below
BRL in conjunction with our media partners over at CBS19 News in Charlottesville have been able to confirm crews are investing an overnight plane crash in Albemarle County.
Around 11:20 pm Wednesday night a person contacted Albemarle County authorities reporting a very low flying plane in the area Burnt Mill Road. They believed the plane to be in distress and think it crashed within a close range to their home.
Thursday morning Albemarle County Police confirmed to CBS19 News that a small plane had crashed In the Stillhouse Creek Road / Miller Lake area.
There is no word on injuries or other details at this time.
The investigation is now being handled by Virginia State Police.
