Robert Eugene Merlini dies in fatal Easton plane crash
Fatal Easton plane crash death of Robert Eugene Merlini – Obituary
A pilot lost his life after a small plane departing from Tipton Airport in Fort Meade went down in the Tred Avon River in Easton on Tuesday morning, according to Maryland State Police.
The aircraft took off just before 9 a.m. and crashed into the river approximately 40 minutes later, near the 6800 block of Travelers Rest Circle. Authorities believe the pilot, Robert Eugene Merlini, 56, of Annapolis, was en route to Easton Airport.
A Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson stated that the plane, a twin-engine Cessna 402, had only the pilot on board, who reported an engine failure prior to the crash.
The investigation is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB spokesperson Peter C. Knudson mentioned that once the plane is retrieved from the water, it will be taken to a secure location for further examination. A preliminary report is anticipated within 30 days.
Responding to the crash site, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department recovered Merlini’s body with assistance from the Maryland Natural Resources Police Underwater Operations Unit.
The U.S. Coast Guard, Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, and Talbot County Fire/EMS crews were also present at the scene.
Fatal Easton plane crash death of Robert Eugene Merlini – Obituary A pilot lost his life after a small plane departing from Tipton Airport in Fort Meade went down in the Tred Avon River in Easton on Tuesday morning, according to Maryland State Police. The aircraft took off just before 9 a.m. and crashed into…
Fatal Easton plane crash death of Robert Eugene Merlini – Obituary A pilot lost his life after a small plane departing from Tipton Airport in Fort Meade went down in the Tred Avon River in Easton on Tuesday morning, according to Maryland State Police. The aircraft took off just before 9 a.m. and crashed into…