Brother Of Pilot Killed In Small Plane Crash: "He Was Exceptional In So Many Ways"
CHERRY HILL, N.J. (CBS) -- "If you asked 10 people describe ways brad was exceptional… get all different answers." Phil McGee of Cherry Hill, New Jersey wanted us to know what his brother Brad was all about.
The pilot and former naval commander's body was found last night in the waters off Queens, New York after his small plane crashed at around 7:30 pm Wednesday.
Brad McGee was in the Philadelphia area on a business trip when he took off from the Northeast Airport on his way home to New Hampshire.
The 57-year-old business executive became a pilot just 3 years ago.
"He was a nuclear sub commander… went to Harvard business school… looked at flying like another adventure," Phil McGee says.
NYPD Special Operations recovered McGee's two-seater plane in the Atlantic Ocean.
He was the only one on the plane.
He leaves behind a wife, three brothers and a sister.
"Brad was exceptional in so many ways," Phil McGee says.
The two brothers competed in an Ironman completion and shared a love of life fueled by ambition, integrity and optimism.
Phil says his brother was well aware of the dangers of flying. "All lives come to an end… this is the way he would've like… a little early… but still the way," McGee says.
The NTSB is investigating the crash. A preliminary report is expected in 10 days. A full report could take up to a year.