Pilot In Small Plane Crash Near Hanson Airport Dies
HANSON (CBS) – One of two brothers whose plane crashed into a pond near Cranland Airport in Hanson Friday afternoon has died.
Scott Landis, 34, who was flying the plane, died overnight, the Cranland Airport manager said Saturday. Patrick Landis, 29, remains hospitalized at Tufts Medical Center.
Friends and colleagues say Scott Landis loved to fly.
"This is the worst tragedy, it couldn't get any worse," said Peter Oakley, Crandland Airport owner.
Don Conway, the victims' uncle, said Friday that the brothers were flying to spread their father's ashes. Their father died from cancer two weeks ago.
Conway said Scott Landis serves in the military, flies Blackhawk helicopters and has flown out of Cranland Airport many times.
He was away on deployment when he returned home to fly with his brother to spread their father's ashes, friends and family said.
"He was a tremendous person and would do anything for his family," said friend Adam Proulx.
Oakley said Scott "wanted to be a pilot and he loved flying as all of us do down here."
Oakley said there appeared to be engine failure on takeoff.
"You heard the engine decrease in power so I don't know what caused it," Oakley said.
The crash remains under investigation. The airport manager said there appeared to be engine failure on takeoff.
Scott Landis leaves behind a wife, a 15-month-old son and hosts of friends who miss him dearly.
"Scottie was a hero, a father, son, soldier, hero - an awesome individual. He is going to be missed tremendously," Proulx said.
