Investigators: Plane Engine Lost Power Shortly After Takeoff In Crash That Killed Auburn Mayor
AUBURN (CBS13) — Officials released new information about the plane crash that killed Auburn Mayor Dr. William Kirby last month.
The National Transportation Safety Board accident report says shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power.
A passenger who was seriously injured reported Dr. Kirby, who was piloting the plane, attempted an emergency landing but lost control of the aircraft. The passenger told the NTSB there were no warning lights or alerts prior to the crash.
Kirby died on April 18th near the Auburn Municipal Airport. The entire flight lasted less than a minute.
Kirby faced backlash the week before the crash after making controversial comments aimed at President Trump's handling of the pandemic. He announced he would step down and nominate Auburn Councilmember Daniel Berlant as the city's new mayor, effective April 27.