New information is emerging about the Aug. 1 small plane crash in Hornellsville that claimed the life of a Penfield man.
Brian J. Valder, 41, of Penfield, was the sole occupant of the aircraft. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According a reliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Valder was flying a Cessna 152 that departed from Ledgedale Airpark in Brockport. The aircraft was headed south and entered an area of limited radar coverage approximately 40 nautical miles from the departure point and just 12 nautical miles north of the crash site.
Witnesses told investigators that the plane circled the area several times at low altitude before crashing into a densely wooded area off Morton Hill Road shortly before 7 p.m. on Aug. 1. A video provided by a witness east of the crash site showed the aircraft in a descending right turn before impact. The engine could be heard running throughout the recording.
Additional eyewitness accounts confirmed the engine appeared to be operating normally prior to the crash.
The NTSB reported the debris path extended roughly 250 feet from the initial impact point. The plane was being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
The Cessna 152 was manufactured in 1979 and based at Ledgedale Airpark.
The NTSB emphasized that the findings are preliminary and may change as the investigation progresses. A final report, including the probable cause and any contributing factors, is expected in 12 to 24 months.
Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: What happened before Penfield pilot’s fatal crash? NTSB releases preliminary report
Reporting by Neal Simon, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
