NWA Capt. Dennis Edward Swanson

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA Capt. Dennis E. Swanson

April 25, 1937 ~ April 19, 2017

News has been received with the passing of RNPA member retired Northwest pilot Captain Dennis Edward Swanson, nearing his 80th birthday.

Captain Swanson joined Northwest Airlines 08-07-1967 and retired with Northwest in 1997.  He is survived by his wife Joanne, their children and grandchildren.

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit this website at

 http://www.auburn-reporter.com/obituaries/dennis-edward-swanson/ 

or  http://www.auburn-reporter.com/obituaries/ 

Captain Swanson’s obituary notes that military graveside services will be held May 2nd at Tahoma National Cemetery in Washington state.   There will be a Celebration of Life at Denny’s sawmill on May 13th at 2 pm.....all are welcome to attend. 

For those wishing to send personal condolences, whitepages lists the family address as

17218 SE 376th St., Auburn WA 98092-9520.

Read more and view video about Denny Swanson’s antique sawmill at  http://www.wrvmuseum.org/Our_stories-more.html 

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN   

Obituary....................................

Dennis Edward Swanson, age 79, a retired Northwest Airlines captain “F​lew ​W​est” for a final check on April 19, 2017

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joann, and their four children: Mike (Jackie) Swanson, Toni Swanson, Kellie (Pat) Kutkey, and Erin (Rob) Dickinson, and brothers: John (Kathy) and Jim (Monica). Also 8 grandchildren: Dan, Logan (Tasia), Corrie (David), Zach, McKenna, Anna, Colton, and Pearl, as well as 6 great-grandchildren: Morgan, Kahlin, Kamdyn, Braxton, Lily, and Marley, and a whole fan club of beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Ron, sister Jean Ann, and parents Irene and Gar.

Born in Ione, Oregon in 1937, he grew up on the family wheat ranch. His love of flying was born at an early age. As a kid, Dennis would design and construct model airplanes, then employ various barn cats as pilots, a story which may be truer in our imaginations than in reality. He attended the University of Portland, joined the Air Force ROTC cadet program, and upon graduation in 1959 was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the US Air Force, making his childhood dream of piloting aircraft a reality.

After his discharge from the Air Force in 1966, Dennis flew for Northwest Orient Airlines and retired as a 747 captain in 1997. He spent his retirement doing good for his community and his family. From using his sawmill to cut historically accurate lumber for the repair of the Mary Olson barn, to longtime Kiwanis member, to substitute teaching at the Muckleshoot Tribal School, to many years of Saturdays delivering food with his grandchildren for the Auburn Food Bank, Dennis never turned down an opportunity to say, “Yes, I can help.”

In honor of Dennis, we encourage you to make saying, “Yes, I can help” a part of your lives too. Perform an act of kindness, give time to a volunteer cause, or donate to a charity of your choice.

At his request, a private family funeral mass was held on April 25th, his birthday. A military graveside service will be held May 2nd at Tahoma National Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Life at Denny’s sawmill on May 13th beginning at 2 pm, where all are welcome.

---------------------------------------

from RNPA news: 

It is my onerous duty to inform you that NWA pilot Dennis Swanson passed away at 1030AM, Wednesday, April 19, 2017. Dennis would be 80 years old next Tuesday. He was hired by NWA on August 07, 1967.  

Memorial service arrangements are uncertain at this time.  

With profound regret,  

Bill Day

Contrails Obituary Editor

NWA/DL Capt. Bruce Philip Eaton

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA/DL Capt. Bruce Eaton

December 28, 1952  ~ April 20, 2017

 

Please forgive my delay with news of the passing of Northwest/Delta pilot Captain Bruce Philip Eaton, age 64.  Captain Eaton joined Northwest Airlines 02-22-1985 and was currently flying for Delta Air Lines, based DTW.  He had most recently resided in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Online condolences may be shared at the funeral home website:  https://www.beckmanwilliamson.com/notices/Bruce-Eaton 

Captain Eaton’s obituary indicates that memorial services were held today April 25th in Florida....please see below.

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN 

 

 

From: ROBERT J LINDA CRAWFORD Sent: Friday, April 21, 2017 10:21 PM   Subject: Bruce Eaton  

Date:  April 21, 2017

Re:  Passing of DTW 744 Captain Bruce Eaton

I am writing with sad news. We have learned of the death of DTW 744 Capt. Bruce Eaton. Bruce is survived by his three children.

Funeral Services:   Tuesday, April 25 - 1100 

Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home, 101 North Brevard Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL

Phone: 321-784-0116

 

Obituary....................................

Bruce Philip Eaton, born December 28, 1952 , passed away on April 20th, after a hard fought  battle with cancer.  An avid flier, he served in the military as a Naval aviator, where he attained the rank of Commander.  He enjoyed 32 years as a Captain for both Northwest and Delta Airlines. Survived by his three children, Nickolaus, Cassandra and Valmund, as well as his father Walter, sisters Kathleen and Laura, and brother Douglas.  Bruce was a man who embraced life, and lived every moment to the fullest.  He had a heart of gold and will be sorely missed.  A Memorial service will be held April 25, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home, 101 North Brevard Blvd., Cocoa Beach FL. You may sign Bruce's guestbook at www.beckmanwilliamson.com

WAL Capt. Orman E. LaVoie

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WAL Capt. Orman E. LaVoie

January 10, 1925 ~ April 15, 2017

News has been received with the passing of retired Western Airlines pilot Captain Orman Edmond LaVoie, age 92.  Captain LaVoie joined Western Airlines 03-19-1951 and was based Denver and Salt Lake City I believe. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Cemetery Funeral Home of Missoula, Montana.  Please visit their site at

http://sunsetfuneralhomecemetery.com/runtime.php?SiteId=288834&NavigatorId=1378309  to share online condolences. 

The funeral home website notes that memorial services will be held Wednesday, May 31st.  The funeral home may also be reached by phone at (406) 549-2857  or by email at sunset@missoulafuneralhomes.com 

As we receive more information we will be sure to pass it along.

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN 

.....adding Obituary for Captain LaVoie..... ~ Carol for the PCN

 In Memory of Orman E LaVoie

– Orman E. LaVoie, age 92, died early Saturday morning 4/15/17, at Village Health Care Center. Orman is a veteran of World War II. He joined the Army Airforce in June ’44. While stationed in Burma India, he logged 1,000 hours as a flight officer in the ferry command that flew supplies over the Burma Hump (hazardous air route across the Himalaya Mountains). Upon returning from the military, he joined Johnson Flying Service, a contractor for the Forrest Service. In 1951, he joined Western Airlines, and retired from Delta as a captain on a Boeing 707 in 1976. In twenty-five years of service for the airlines, he experienced two bomb threats on board, a lightning bolt through the fuselage, and after sliding down an icy runway, bringing an aircraft to a stop at the edge of a cliff.

Orman was an avid skier well into his 70’s and in his spare time, enjoyed building and remodeling homes, building a golf course and building a propane fueled Skybolt.

He is pre-deceased by his grandson, Michael and son, Mark. He is survived by 1 sister, 4 children, 4 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.

Services are planned for June at the Western Montana State Veteran Cemetery. Cremation is under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at  www.sunsetfuneralhomecemetery.com  

Sunset Cemetery Funeral Home and Crematory

From: Dick Deeds [mailto:dickdeeds@pacbell.net]  Sent: Saturday, April 15, 2017 11:43 AM  Subject: Fwd: Capt. Orman LaVoie 

WAL Captain Capt. Orman LaVoie went west this morning at 2 AM in Missoula, Montana.

Further information regarding obituary and memorial services to follow later.

Ed

DL Capt. John Ernest Bridges Jr.

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. John E. Bridges

May 2, 1927 ~ April 10, 2017

 

News has reached us with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain John Ernest Bridges Jr., age 89.  Captain Bridges joined Delta Air Lines 01-02-1956 and retired with Delta in 1987, based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Patricia ‘Pat’, their children and grandchildren.

To view the obituary online and sign the guestbook, please visit the funeral home website at https://www.wagesandsons.com/obit/john-ernest-bridges-jr/   Military services will be held Thursday, April 13th at 12:30 PM, at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.  Memorial services are planned for Saturday, April 15th at 11:00 AM, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church located in Stone Mountain, Georgia with reception to follow.

Here is the website for the church: http://www.eastminster.us/ 

For those wishing to, personal condolences may be sent to the family at

5669 Redcoat Run, Stone Mountain  GA  30087-1642.

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN

Obituary..............................................

John Ernest Bridges, age 89 of Stone Mountain, GA passed away on April 10, 2017. John was born on May 2, 1927 in Rock Hill, SC where he grew up and attended Rock Hill High School. He served in the US Navy from 1944-1946 and the US Air Force from 1950-1954. He joined Delta Air Lines in 1956 where he was a pilot for almost 32 years. He retired as captain in 1987. An avid fisherman, John spent much of his spare time deep sea fishing in Key Largo, FL.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia Bridges, sons Bill and Bob Bridges, daughters-in-law Sarah and Laurie Bridges, daughter and son-in-law Julie Bridges Perkins and Phil Perkins, seven grandchildren, Katie and Rachel Perkins, Marshall, Emily, Ansley, Jennifer, and Julia Bridges, nieces Anne Fields and Jane Fields Chastain, and nephew John Fields.

A military service will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Stone Mountain, GA, with a reception to follow at the Bridges’ home in Stone Mountain.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project in memory of John E. Bridges.

 

 

-----Original Message-----

From: Julian Black     Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 10:19 AM    Subject:  John Bridges

 

Delta Retired Captain John E. Bridges for Delta Air Lines (Delta Golden Wings member)passed on 4-10-2017.

 

Address: 5669 Redcoat Run

Stone Mountain, GA 30087

Wife Patricia 

 

 -------------------

 

Subject: John Bridges

 

 John Bridges died April 10, 2017.  There is an obituary in the Atlanta paper this morning. 

Military service Thursday April 13 at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Ga.  A memorial service Saturday April 15, 2017 11:00 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Stone Mountain, GA reception to follow at the Bridges home in Stone Mountain.

DL Capt. Paul J. Sheehy

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Paul J. Sheehy

August 23, 1941 ~ April 6, 2017

 

News has reached our group with the passing of retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Paul J. Sheehy, age 75.  Captain Sheehy joined Delta Air Lines 02-08-1973 and retired in 2001, based 031/ATL.  He is survived by his wife Mary Ann, their children and grandchildren.

To view the online obituary and sign the guestbook, please visit the funeral home website at http://www.beardenfuneralhome.com/ 

Visitation is this evening with funeral services tomorrow April 11th in Dawsonville, Georgia...please see obituary below or the funeral home website for further information. 

Personal condolences may be sent the the Sheehy family at

492 Chestatee View Dr.,  Dawsonville GA 30534-4904

                Thank you,

                    ~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary..............Paul J. Sheehy, 75, of Dawsonville passed away Thursday April 6, 2017.

Born August 23, 1941 in Independence, Missouri to the late Almer and Vivian Sheehy, he had lived in Dawson County over 20 years having moved from Cobb County. Mr. Sheehy retired as a pilot for Delta Airlines with 28 years of service. He served in the U. S. Air Force over 12 years where he flew 100 missions in Vietnam. Paul enjoyed running, snow skiing, golf and volunteering in various ESL programs. A member of the Grace Presbyterian Church choir, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Rick Sheehy.

Surviving are his wife of 20 years, Mary Ann Cox Sheehy, Dawsonville; daughters and sons in law, Lisa Sheehy, Gainesville, GA, Karen and Alex Pastos, Gainesville, FL, Carolyn and Mattison Barnes, Cumming, Anna and Gerard Sample, Cave Creek, AZ; grandchildren, Gus Pastos, Owen Pastos, Bo Barnes, Noah Barnes, John Barnes, Luke Sample, Mary Alexa Sample; brother and sister in law, David and Ingrid Sheehy, St. Louis, MO.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday April 11, 2017 at 10 o’clock at Grace Presbyterian Church. Rev. David Jordan will officiate. Interment services will follow at Georgia National Cemetery at 1 o’clock.

The family will receive friends Monday from 4 until 7 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 201, Dawsonville, GA 30534, or to the Good Shepherd Clinic of Dawson County, 200 Dawson Commons Circle, Suite 220, Dawsonville, GA 30534.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.

 

-----------------------------------

  http://PCN.homestead.com/Death_Form.html

 

A Deceased full name Paul J. Sheehy

B Date of Birth  8/23/1941

C Date of Death 4/6/2017

D Relationship Pilot

E Active Retired  Retired

F Domicile  ATL

G Age at death 75

H Cause of death Heart Attack

I Living Spouse Mary Anne

J Address 492 Chestatee View Dr

K City Dawsonville

L State  ga

M Zip 30534

N Airline DAL

O Guestbook URL http://www.beardenfuneralhome.com/book-of-memories

P Comments Obit ................................ www.beardenfuneralhome.com   Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.

Q Contact Name  Rich Stark

R Contact Email naked@mindspring.com

S Contact Phone 678-793-6190

 

WC/RW/NWA Capt. Robert David Cox Sr.

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WC/RW/NWA Capt. Robert David ‘Dave’ Cox

September 6, 1929 ~ March 25, 2017

 

Notification with the passing of retired Hughes Airwest/Northwest pilot Robert David Cox Sr., age 87.  Captain Cox’s obituary notes that he joined West Cost Airlines in 1955, would have made the various mergers and retired with Northwest Airlines in 1989.  Captain Cox is survived by his wife Pauline, their children and grandchildren.

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit   http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=Robert-David-Cox-Dave&pid=184957757  For those wishing to send personal condolences, whitepages lists the Cox residence and contact as

20315 96th Ave NE  ,  Bothell WA 98011-2345  ...  (360) 629-6540.

 

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for he PCN 

Obituary..........................

Robert David (Dave) Cox   (1929 - 2017)

Robert David Cox passed away peacefully in his sleep at Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland on March 25, 2017. Dave is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Pauline, children, Terri, Steve (Nadine), Jerry, Jim and Bob and 4 grandchildren, Joshua, Jeremiah, David and Tristen.

 

Dave was born in Seattle and raised in Ballard with his 3 sisters, Winnie, Pat and Barbra. Dave graduated from Ballard High School in 1947. Dave and Pauline married on May 16, 1953, in Laredo, Texas, while Dave served in the Air Force. In 1954, following military duty, Dave and Pauline moved back to Ballard to start their family and begin his commercial aviation career.

 

Dave entered the US Air Force in 1950 as an Aviation Cadet and graduated from flight school in Laredo, Texas, as a jet fighter pilot in 1951. Following gunnery training and qualification in Las Vegas, Dave was assigned first to Okinawa and then Korea where he flew 100 combat missions during the Korean War.

 

Dave was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for destroying two enemy trains which he sighted after bad weather had made it impossible for him to lead his flight over the scheduled target area. The citation accompanying the Air Medal award read in part: "Lieutenant Cox engaged in strafing and dive bombing attacks from dangerously low altitudes destroying and damaging enemy installations while contact with enemy aircraft was probable and expected."

 

Following Dave's 100th mission in Korea he was assigned to Laredo, Texas, as an instructor pilot until 1954. Dave continued to serve his country in the Air Force Reserve flying fighter jets for the Washington Air National Guard until he was honorably discharged in 1966.

 

After Dave completed his active military service he began his commercial aviation career in 1955, flying DC-3's for West Coast Airlines out of Boeing Field in Seattle. Dave's commercial aviation experience included flying DC-3's, F-27's, DC-9's and Boeing 757's. After 35 years in commercial aviation Dave retired with Northwest Airlines in 1989.

 

Since retirement Dave and Pauline have enjoyed family, church, played a lot of golf and escorted orphan babies to the US from Thailand.

 

Rosary at 10:00 AM followed by a celebration of life, 11:00 AM, Friday, April 7, 2017, at St. Brendan's Catholic Church, 10051 NE 195th, Bothell.

 

.Published in The Seattle Times from Apr. 5 to Apr. 6, 2017.

NWA Capt. Warren W. Avenson

~ IN MEMORY ~

WWII veteran, NWA Warren ‘Avie’ Avenson

December 15, 1921 ~ April 1, 2017

 

Notice with the passing of retired Northwest pilot Captain Warren William Avenson.  Born/raised in Minnesota, Captain Avenson was 95 years of age at the time of his passing.  He joined Northwest Airlines 03-09-1943.  Captain Avenson is survived by his wife Dorothy ‘Dottie’, plus their children and grandchildren.

 

The online obituary may be viewed at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=Warren-Avenson-Avie&pid=184957740 

Captain Avenson’s obituary notes that memorial services are planned for April 8th in Washington state.  For those wishing to send personal condolences, Whitepages lists the Avenson residence/contact as 

10901 176th Cir NE # 3528 , Redmond WA 98052-7218  ...  (425) 881-6950.

 

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN

 

Obituary......................   Warren "Avie" Avenson

    Avie knew early that flying planes was his passion. Growing up in Hibbing Minnesota he worked in iron ore mines to make money for flight schools and college. He started flying as a teenager, gained hours as a flight instructor, was hired as a pilot by

Northwest Airlines in 1943, and flew as a US Navy pilot during WW2 then as a reservist. Shortly after marrying his high school sweetheart Dorothy Sinamark in 1946, Avie and Dotty, ready for an adventure, moved to Tokyo Japan for 2 years... and stayed for 10 years! The family which then included their 4 Tokyo- born children returned to Minnesota where he flew domestic out of MSP the next 10 years. Their last move was to Mercer Island WA so he could fly Asia routes out of SEA, reaching Northwest 747 captain with #1 seniority.

 

As a child, helping his father care for his invalid mother, his younger sister Doris, and their home was the foundation of Avie's life as a giver of time, talents, and resources. He developed his interest in how things work and how to fix them from his father. Contributing to Avie's full life of 95 years were his instincts for healthy living. He gave up smoking long before the Surgeon General's report, was jogging before it was trendy, gave up salt and fats long before that was popular, and kept a close eye on his waistline.

 

Meeting Avie for the first time was often a memorable event. He expressed his appreciation whether you were selling him a shirt, giving him his meds, or showing him the marvels of a new machine. Learning something new and passing on his knowledge equally excited him. He was a punster, could see the humorous side of any situation, and loved sharing the amusing tales of life in the airlines.

 

Family includes Dorothy of Redmond WA; children Julie Sigler (Robert) of Troy MI, Sally (Dan Dierks, deceased) of Seattle WA, Paul (Carol) of Bloomington IN, David (deceased as infant), Billy (deceased at age 12); grandchildren Dan, Mark, Bill (Gretchen Williams) Sigler; Amelia, Evan and Quinn Dierks; Erik Avenson (deceased as infant); 12 nieces and nephews.

 

Memorial service Saturday, April 8, 2017, 10:00 am at Emerald Heights, Redmond WA.

.Published in The Seattle Times from Apr. 5 to Apr. 7, 2017

DL Capt. Anne Marie Edmonson

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Anne M. Edmonson

March 16, 1951 ~ April 1, 2017

News reports have now named the two pilots that lost their lives due to a tragic mid-air accident last Saturday .... retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Anne Marie Edmonson was 66 years of age at the time of her death.  Captain Edmonson joined Delta Air Lines 08-04-1995.  

News reports have been covering the accident and we will continue to post updates as more information is received.

A death notice is posted online at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/anne-edmonson-obituary?pid=1000000185007923 

but service arrangements are not yet known.

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN 

http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/20170406/2-career-airline-pilots-identified-as-those-killed-in-midair-collision-over-edgewater 

2 career airline pilots identified as those killed in midair collision over Edgewater

Anne Edmonson and Gary Somerton were both airline pilots. They both shared their love of aviation with the young.

And during a tragic flight last Saturday they both died when their small planes collided while flying in formation over Edgewater.

The Edgewater Police Department on Thursday released their identities. Edmonson, 66, and Somerton, 57, both lived at the Spruce Creek Fly-In. They died in the crash as they flew near Interstate 95 and State Road 442, officials said. The planes left a quarter-mile-long trail of debris.

Edmonson and Somerton had been flying in formation about 8:45 a.m. with at least four other aircraft when the accident occurred, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. The Cessna in the crash was registered to Somerton, according to an NTSB database. The other plane was a Grumman Tiger.

Both Edmonson and Somerton had airline transport pilot ratings from the Federal Aviation Administration, according to the FAA website. Edmonson, though, had passed the mandatory retirement age of 65.

Somerton was a 737 pilot at United Airlines, according to Lynn O’Donnell, a friend. Officials from the airline did not return a phone message left Thursday.

Both Edmonson and Somerton were members of the EAA Chapter 288, which encompasses the Daytona Beach area, said chapter president Matt Simmons in a phone interview.

“They were both very active members of the chapter and it’s a loss for the community and for the chapter,” Simmons said.

Simmons declined to comment about the flight in which the two members perished. But he said it was not an EAA-sponsored flight.

“The accident had nothing to do with the chapter,” Simmons said.

The chapter has set up the Gary Somerton Memorial Fund to support programs encouraging youth to get involved in aviation, Simmons said.

“Gary was active in supporting youth programs through the EAA,” Simmons said.

Edmonson also had an interest in youth and aviation. She participated in a “Girls Fly” event on March 11 at the Ocala International Airport during Women in Aviation Week, according to a story from the Ocala Star-Banner. The event was designed to increase girls’ interest in aviation.

Edmonson told the girls and others during the event that she began flying when she was 38 and was a retired airline captain. Edmonson said she was a former captain at Delta Airlines and had flown a Boeing 767 for about four years during a 25-year-career which included flying cargo as well as international flights to South America, Europe and Asia, the Star-Banner reported.

Todd Gunther, an investigator with the NTSB, described during a press conference last week what witnesses saw of the two aviators’ last flight.

“According to witness statements, they viewed a formation flight that was in the area of I-95,” Gunther said. “As the aircraft were passing over I-95, according to witnesses, two of the aircraft came together and then the aircraft descended and impacted in the field behind me.”

The debris included large pieces of the aircraft. After hitting the ground, the Cessna 170 and the Grumman ended in up in two separate locations approximately 200 yards apart. Gunther said.

Gunther said it’s believed the planes took off from Spruce Creek Airport. 

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/volusia-county-fire-rescue-at-scene-of-plane-crash-in-edgewater 

2 pilots found dead after witness reports mid-air collision in Edgewater

Crash happened near I-95 south, crews say

Posted: 9:22 AM, April 01, 2017

EDGEWATER, Fla. - Two people are dead following a crash involving two planes in Edgewater Saturday morning, the Edgewater Fire Department said.

Officials said a witness reported seeing two small planes collided near I-95 south and mile marker 244 around 8:45 a.m.

Crews responded and found both planes in a wooded area west of I-95 south.

Edgewater fire officials said two pilots were killed in the crash. No other injuries were reported.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the incident did not cause any issues on I-95 in either direction.

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office was at the scene to assist Edgewater police with the crash.

Edgewater police said the investigation has been turned over to the National Transportation Safety Board. Edgewater fire officials said the investigation will be ongoing for several days, and that Edgewater police will be securing the scene as it continues.

A woman who said she witnessed the crash shared what she saw on social media.

"That was the scariest thing I have ever witnessed. Very bad," the woman wrote.

The woman said she was driving on I-95 and saw multiple planes flying together when she saw two of the planes collide.

"Watched two hit, debris flying everywhere, watch both go down right next to us," she wrote.

A spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration provided News 6 with a statement following the crash.

"A Cessna 170 aircraft and Grumman American AA5B aircraft collided about three miles north-northwest of Massey Airpark in New Smyrna Beach, FL, at 9 a.m. today," the spokeswoman wrote. 

She said the FAA is at the scene to begin the investigation, and the NTSB will determine probable cause.

Officials with the NTSB held a press conference Sunday afternoon. 

During the conference, air safety investigator Tod Gunther said a witness reported seeing a formation flight pass over I-95 before the aircrafts collided. Two of the aircrafts collided, then landed in two separate locations, Gunther said.

He said the formation consisted of multiple planes that all came from Spruce Creek Airport.

Gunther said that as of right now, there is no indication that the aircrafts experienced power failure, in-flight fire or explosion, control failure, or structural failure before the impact, but the incident remains under investigation...........................

-------------------------------
Investigation report  :  
https://app.ntsb.gov/pdfgenerator/ReportGeneratorFile.ashx?EventID=20170401X94926&AKey=1&RType=Prelim&IType=FA

 

PNA/WA Capt. Thomas W. Constant

~ IN MEMORY ~

WWII veteran, PNA/WA Capt. Thomas William Constant

August 14, 1915 ~ December 11, 2016

 

Belated news with the passing of WWII veteran retired PNA/WA pilot Captain Thomas William Constant, age 101.  Born in California and raised in New Mexico, Captain Constant joined Pacific Northern Airlines 11-01-1946.  He was based SEA, then SFO at the time of his retirement with Western Airlines in 1975.  Captain Constant was widowed in August 2004 with the passing of his wife Marjorie deMars Constant. 

Notice of Captain Constant’s passing was sent to us by his niece Ann.  

Captain Constant had most recently resided in the Seattle area.  

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN

 

 

 

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Ann Lidnin <annlidnin@gmail.com>

Date: Wed, Apr 5, 2017 at 10:38 AM

Subject: Final Flight for Thomas W. Constant

 

.......................I wanted to let you know that my uncle, Tom Constant, passed away December 11, 2016 at the age of 101 years.

 

He was doing well until the week before he passed, so he did not  linger and suffer.

 

He was a wonderful man and said he never worked a day in his life because he was doing what he loved to do -- fly airplanes!

 

Kind regards,

 

Ann