Latest news with #Youngstown-WarrenRegionalAirport
NDTV
02-07-2025
- NDTV
Ohio Plane Crash Kills 6, Including Family Of 4 On Vacation
Youngstown: Four adults from one family heading out on vacation were killed along with their pilot and co-pilot when a small plane crashed minutes after taking off from an Ohio airport, officials said. The twin-engine Cessna 441 turboprop crashed near Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport on Sunday morning, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. There were no survivors, Western Reserve Port Authority Executive Director Anthony Trevena said at a news conference. The agency owns the airport. Agency records show the plane was registered to Meander Air LLC of Warren, Ohio. Trumbull County Coroner Lawrence D'Amico on Monday identified the victims as the pilot, Joseph Maxin, 63; co-pilot Timothy Blake, 55; and passengers Veronica Weller, 68; her husband, James Weller, 67; their son, John Weller, 36, and his wife, Maria Weller, 34. Blake and the passengers were all Hubbard residents, while Maxin lived in Canfield. D'Amico said the family - which owns steel manufacturing plants in the Youngstown-Warren area - was heading for a vacation in Montana. Maxin was the port authority's director of compliance and also a former assistant prosecutor for the Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office. A statement issued by the authority called Maxin "a selfless public servant and pilot (who) dedicated his life to serving the Mahoning Valley." The plane crashed in heavy woods, making access to the site difficult, Howland Township Fire Chief Raymond Pace said. "This is an extremely tragic situation, but it could have been worse," Pace said, noting that there were three houses near where the plane crashed. Publicly available flight tracking data showed that the plane's destination was Bozeman, Montana, said Michael Hillman, president of aviation company JETS FBO Network. "These were the best of the best in terms of the folks here at the field, as well as the pilots. I can't say enough about them," Hillman said at the news conference. "I'd give anything to rewind the day and take them to breakfast instead." The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating but have not speculated on a possible cause. They have asked residents to contact them if they have surveillance video showing the crash or other information that may be relevant to the investigation.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
6 killed in Howland plane crash identified
HOWLAND TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) — An investigation is underway into what caused a plane to crash just minutes after takeoff from the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport Sunday morning. All six people on board were killed. The Trumbull County Coroner's Office on Monday identified the pilot as 63-year-old Joseph Maxin and the co-pilot as 55-year-old Timothy Blake. The plane's four passengers were 68-year-old Veronica Weller, 67-year-old James Weller, 36-year-old John Weller and 34-year-old Maria Weller. At this point, it's still unclear what caused the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is taking the lead in the investigation. Investigators were expected to arrive to the scene Sunday night. The Federal Aviation Administration is assisting. Bologna recalled nationwide: What to know Authorities said the twin-engine Cessna 441 went down seven minutes after takeoff, crashing in Howland Township in Trumbull County. It was just two miles away from the end of the runway at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. It went down in a heavily wooded area that was difficult to access. Howland Fire, Youngstown Air Reserve, Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency all responded to the scene. A Trumbull County hazmat team handled the fuel from the plane. Authorities said the plane was headed to Bozeman, Montana. they said the plane's pilots were highly experienced and its four passengers were also experienced. The plane was owned by Meander Air LLC, based out of Warren, according to an FAA filing. After investigators document the wreckage at the site, the plane will be moved elsewhere for evaluation. Federal investigators plan to look at flight track data, air traffic control communications, the plane's maintenance records, weather forecasts, conditions at the time of the crash and more. They're now asking anyone who have surveillance video or other information that may be relevant to the investigation to email them at witness@ 2 killed in sniper firefighter ambush in Idaho Local officials said it was a devastating hit to the aviation community. 'These were the best of the best in terms of folks here at the field, as well as the pilots and can't say enough about them,' said Mike Hillman, president of JETS, the airport's fixed-base operator. 'I'd give anything the rewind the day and take them to breakfast instead.' A preliminary report on the crash is expected within the month. 'This is an extremely tragic situation, but it could have been worse,' said Howland Fire Chief Ray Pace. 'There were three residential houses in a pretty close proximity to the plane.' FAA records show this is the seventh plane or helicopter crash in Ohio over the last year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
India Today
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Who was Jim Weller? Liberty Steel businessman killed in Ohio plane crash
A tragic plane crash in northeast Ohio has left a community in mourning after six lives were lost just minutes after takeoff. Among the victims were well-known businessman James 'Jim' Weller, his wife Veronica, their son John, and daughter-in-law Maria. The family was en route to Bozeman, Montana, for a holiday when their twin-engine Cessna 441 turboprop went down shortly after departing from Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport at 6:53 a.m. on crash took place less than seven minutes after takeoff, only about two miles from the airport. The aircraft slammed into a heavily wooded area near a residential neighbourhood, killing everyone on pilot, Joseph Maxin, 63, of Canfield, and co-pilot Timothy Blake, 55, of Hubbard, also perished in the crash. The plane was registered to Meander Air LLC of Warren, Ohio. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are now investigating what led to the Was Jim Weller? James 'Jim' Weller, 67, was not only a successful businessman but also a beloved figure in Ohio's racing scene. He was the owner of Liberty Steel Industries, a company originally founded by his father in 1965. Under Jim's leadership, the company became a key supplier in the region, reinforcing his family's reputation as respected industrialists in northeast beyond the boardroom, Jim Weller had a passion for motorsports. He was a fixture at Sharon Speedway, where he left a lasting legacy as both a racer and a supporter. Weller competed in the Big Block Modified division, winning 36 races and capturing two track championships. His father, Jim Weller Sr., had co-owned Sharon Speedway from 2002 until earlier this year, solidifying the family's deep connection to local Weller family was known for more than their business and sporting achievements. Friends and community members describe them as generous, humble, and always willing to lend a helping hand. 'They were the kind of people who quietly helped others,' said one friend. Aviation expert Mike Hillman, who spoke at a press conference following the crash, reflected on the loss: 'These were the best of the best I'd give anything to rewind the day and take them to breakfast instead.'As the investigation continues, the Weller family's impact on their community, in business, sports, and personal generosity, is being remembered with deep respect and sorrow. Their legacy, say those who knew them, will not soon be forgotten.- Ends
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Who was Jim Weller? Steel tycoon, family killed in Ohio plane crash
A plane crash in Ohio claimed the lives of businessman James 'Jim' Weller, his wife, son, and daughter-in-law. The family was heading to Bozeman, Montana, for a vacation when their plane went down just minutes after takeoff, according to The New York Post. Workers are pictured in front of a jet at the Youngstown - Warren Regional Airport in Vienna, Ohio, Monday, June 30, 2025, where a day earlier a plane crashed on take off killing all onboard. (AP) Weller, 67, owned Liberty Steel Industries. He was flying with his wife Veronica, 68, their son John, 36, and John's wife Maria, 34. They had just left Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport at 6:53 am on Sunday. The plane crashed less than seven minutes later - only two miles away - into a wooded backyard near a home. The pilot, Joseph Maxin, 63, and co-pilot Timothy Blake, 55, were also killed. Maxin was an experienced flier and a former assistant prosecutor in Mahoning County. Who was Jim Weller? The Weller family was known across northeast Ohio—not just for their business but also for their ties to the racing world. Jim's father started Liberty Steel in 1965. The company went on to become a key supplier in the region. Jim was also a major part of Sharon Speedway's racing scene. He won 36 races in the Big Block Modified division and was a two-time track champion, per the outlet. Sharon Speedway shared their heartbreak in a statement: 'We are deeply saddened. His late father, Jim Weller Sr., co-owned the speedway from 2002 to 2024.' Ohio plane crash under investigation Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are looking into what caused the crash. The FAA is also helping. A preliminary report is expected later in July. According to 19 News, Fire Chief Raymond Pace called it the deadliest crash the area has seen. The plane reportedly hit a densely wooded area, making rescue efforts more difficult. Aviation expert Mike Hillman told the network, 'These were the best of the best. I wish we could turn back time and take them to breakfast instead.' Local community mourn Jim Weller's death The crash has shaken the local community. The Wellers were known for their generosity and strong family values. People who knew them are sharing memories and making plans to honour their legacy. Friends say they were the kind of people who quietly helped others and stayed grounded, even with all their success. 'These were the best of the best in terms of the folks here at the field as well as the pilots and I can't say enough about them and give anything to rewind the day and take them to breakfast instead,' aviation expert Mike Hillman told News 19. ALSO READ: Did American Idol winner Jamal Roberts reject key to city of Laurel? Here's what we know about death threats FAQs Q1. Who was James 'Jim' Weller? A1. Jim Weller was a steel tycoon from Ohio and the owner of Liberty Steel Industries Inc., a company founded by his father in 1965. Q2. What caused the plane crash involving the Weller family? A2. The exact cause is still under investigation by the NTSB and FAA. A preliminary report is expected later in July. Q3. Were there any survivors in the crash? A3. No. All six people on board - Jim Weller, his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and two pilots - died in the crash. Q4. Where did the plane crash occur? A4. The crash happened less than two miles from Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, in a wooded backyard in Howland Township, Ohio.
USA Today
30-06-2025
- General
- USA Today
6 dead after plane crashes into Ohio backyard
A small plane crash in Ohio killed six people on Sunday, June 29, when the aircraft plummeted into a wooded area shortly after takeoff. The twin-engine Cessna 441 went down around 7 a.m., a few miles from Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, located in Howland Township, about 20 miles east of Akron, reported the Akron Beacon Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. There were no survivors, Western Reserve Port Authority Executive Director Anthony Trevena said in a Sunday press conference. Trumbull County Coroner Lawrence D'Amico identified the victims on Monday, multiple outlets reported. Pilot and co-pilot Joseph Maxin, 63, and Timothy Blake, 55, were among the dead, along with passengers James Weller, 67, his wife Veronica Weller, 68, their son John Weller, 26, and his wife Maria Weller, 34. The family was headed to Montana on vacation, D'Amico told local media. Officials told area news station WTOL11 that the plane crashed into a backyard of a home two miles from the airport, making the crash site "difficult" to access. Emergency crews from the Howland Fire Department and the Youngstown Air Reserve Station responded to the crash site and put out the resulting fire. Trumbull County hazmat crews worked to contain and clean up spilled fuel from the wreckage. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, which sent investigators to the scene.
