MARIENVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – Small Plane Crash in Forest County Claims the Life of Pennsylvania Man

MARIENVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – Additional details have been revealed regarding a tragic small plane crash that occurred in the rural Buzzard Swamp area of Forest County, resulting in the death of a Pennsylvania man on Friday, December 29, 2023.

The Forest County Coroner, Norman J. Wimer, was summoned to the crash site in Jenks Township by the Marienville State Police on Sunday, December 31, at approximately 8:00 a.m. Accompanied by his Chief Deputy, Cody Magill, Coroner Wimer arrived at the scene around 10:15 a.m.

The victim, identified as 59-year-old John S. Burley from Winber, was pronounced dead at the crash site. Burley was the sole occupant of the aircraft, which was a single-engine Zenith STOL CH 701, classified as an experimental aircraft.

The ill-fated plane had taken off from Erie International in Erie, PA, on Friday, December 29, with its destination set for Dubois Airport. However, the aircraft’s transponder signal mysteriously ceased at 9:56 p.m., and no flight plan had been filed.

According to data from ADS-B, the aircraft showed a descent from 4500 feet to 3300 feet during its cruise flight, followed by a sharp left climb and then a descending 360° spiral, as reported by Aviation Accidents.

Despite the absence of fire, the aircraft was completely destroyed, as confirmed by Coroner Wimer.

Coroner Wimer, who is also a pilot, expressed his admiration for the Zenith STOL CH 701, stating, “Even though this is a home-built airplane, they are highly reliable and have a commendable safety record.”

He further mentioned that Burley was not instrument-rated but was considered a highly experienced pilot according to his family and a business associate.

The cause and manner of Burley’s death remain undetermined. Coroner Wimer is currently consulting with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who are expected to arrive at the crash site on Monday, January 1, 2024. An official statement shedding light on the cause and manner of death is anticipated to be released later in the week.

“I will not be determining the cause of the accident,” declared Wimer. “Speculating about any potential reasons for the crash is the responsibility of the FAA and the NTSB.”

In the aftermath of the crash, Coroner Wimer commended the efforts of the Pennsylvania State Police, Elkland Search and Rescue from Saint Mary’s, and Forest County Emergency Management.

“Elkland Search and Rescue did an exceptional job locating the crash site and assisting me in recovering the remains from the wooded area,” Wimer stated.

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