APPLE CREEK – Two Apple Creek men were killed Monday after a plane crashed on Hackett Road near Carr Road in Sugar Creek Township of Wayne County.
Pilot Brian L. Stoltzfus, 55, was flying the Douglas DC3TP plane, with co-pilot Curtis R. Wilkerson, 56. Both men were killed from the crash and pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities. Their bodies were taken to the Wooster Community Hospital.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Douglas DC3TP plane left Stotlzfus Airfield located near Preferred Airparts on Hackett Road. Initial reports indicate that the plane had engine issues which is believed to be a possible cause of the crash. Shortly after take-off, the plane struck trees and utility poles then crashed in a yard next to a residence.
There were no injuries to anyone in the residence or on the ground. Electric and phone lines were damaged and crews are on scene attempting to repair service.
Departments on the scene included: Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Crash Reconstruction Unit and Aviation Section, Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, Kidron Fire Department, Apple Creek Police Department, Apple Creek Fire Department, Wayne County Coroner’s Office and Orrville Utilities.
