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US: Six killed as small plane crashes near Ohio airport shortly after takeoff
admin | July 1, 2025 11:21 AM CST

New Delhi: At least six people were killed when an aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport in Ohio state of US on Sunday. The Cessna 441, which was en route to Bozeman, Montana, went down in a wooded area near the airport.

According to reports, there were no survivors. The bodies have been taken to the Trumbull County Coroner’s Office. Howland Township Fire Chief Raymond Pace stated that the aircraft crashed in dense woods near three homes. Fortunately, no one on the ground was injured.

Victims identified

The victims have been identified as pilot Joseph Maxin (63), a resident of Canfield, former Mahoning County assistant prosecutor, and Director of Compliance for the Port Authority. The co-pilot was identified as Timothy Blake.

The passengers were Veronica Weller (68), her husband, James Weller (67), their son, Jon Weller( 36), and his wife, Maria Weller (34). All were residents of Hubbard and part of a family-owned steel manufacturing business in the Youngstown-Warren area.

‘I’d give anything to rewind the day’

Fire chief Pace at a news conference emphasized the narrow escape for nearby residents. “We’re very fortunate. This is an extremely tragic situation, but it could have been worse,” he said, noting that three houses were located near the crash site.

Michael Hillman, President of JET FBO Network while talking to the reporters, confirmed the aircraft was heading to Montana and paid tribute to the victims. “I’d give anything to rewind the day and take them to breakfast instead,” he said. “They were the best of the best.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. The NTSB will lead the inquiry.

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