COATESVILLE, Pa. (WHTM) – Federal investigators have determined the cause of a plane crash that killed an area school board president in Pennsylvania two years ago.
The Federal Transportation Safety Board says the twin-engine Gulfstream American GA-7 pilot’s “inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel, and his subsequent loss of control,” is the probable cause behind the Feb. 1, 2024, plane crash near Coatesville, Chester County.
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Additionally, the final aviation investigation report found that “an inadequate annual maintenance inspection, during which maintenance personnel failed to detect and replace the missing right fuel cap gasket,” contributed to the accident.
Investigators say the plane was part of a restoration project documented in a series of online videos and sat outside while the airport received about 10 inches of precipitation.
The plane was traveling to Knoxville, Tennessee, to be delivered to its new owner.
According to witnesses who spoke to investigators, the pilot “did not perform a complete preflight inspection,” obtain fuel samples, and indicated he was “in a hurry.”
The investigation found that witnesses reported hearing a loud pop just after takeoff then the plane making an “aggressive” right turn and disappearing. Tracking data in the report showed the plane’s climb shallowing, its speed slowing, and it making a sharp, tightening descent right turn.
According to the report, an autopsy determined the 65-year-old pilot died from multiple blunt force trauma. No other passengers were on the plane when it crashed into a field in West Caln Township.
The pilot was later identified as Octorara Area School District board president Sam Ganow.
“Mr. Ganow was not only a dedicated member of the Octorara Area School District School Board but also a cherished and respected member of our community,” Superintendent Steven Leever said in a statement following the crash. “Mr. Ganow served the Octorara community as a school board member for 26 years. His commitment to education and his tireless efforts to enhance the educational experience for our students made a lasting impact on our school district.”
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