NTSB Releases Preliminary Info About Plane Crash that Killed Wenham Father, Daughter

The FAA has release preliminary information about the plane crash that killed two well-known Wenham residents on July 29 in Milwaukee, Wis.

While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, the early report indicates that the plane, a Socata model single-engine, was attempting to go around Timmerman Airport in Milwaukee after an aborted landing when it crashed, killing Boston businessman Joe Trustey and his 18-year-old daughter, Anna, the only two people on board.

The tower controller told investigators after the crash he saw the airplane when it was on a three-mile final approach to the runway and the landing gear appeared to be down during the final approach. The controller went on to say that the airplane landed within the runway’s marked touchdown zone and did not appear to bounce upon landing; however, he heard a “squealing” noise that was longer in duration than typical.

The pilot, Joe Trustey, then requested to abort the landing, a request the controller granted and advised the pilot to return to a traffic pattern.

The tower controller stated that he heard the engine speed accelerate and then observed the airplane pitch up and enter a climbing left turn before it appeared to “stall” and crash to the ground.

The crash remains under investigation.