Two brothers from the Viola community died Wednesday afternoon after their plane struck a tree shortly after takeoff.
The crash happened near Morrison Industrial Park in Warren County just before 12:30pm. Sheriffs Deputies l located the downed aircraft in a field near the industrial park.
“Tragically, both occupants of the aircraft were pronounced deceased at the scene,” Officials said in a press release.
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that the aircraft originally departed from a private airstrip located in Viola. A preliminary investigation indicates the plane hit a tree shortly after it took off, which resulted in damage to the aircraft.
“The pilot subsequently attempted to reach the Warren County Memorial Airport; however, the aircraft was unable to do so and ultimately crashed,” the Warren County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for their family, friends, and the entire Viola community, as well as all of the local pilots who knew the brothers personally,” the Warren County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
The NTSB is investigating.
