Victim identified in deadly plane crash near Urbana

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY — The Ohio State Highway Patrol and emergency responders are investigating a deadly plane crash in the area of Hickory Grove Road and U.S. 68, according to the patrol.

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OSHP confirmed that the victim was Martin Beerman, 68, of Sandusky.

The crash involving a single-engine Socata TBM-700 was reported around 2:45 p.m. and the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate.

“The aircraft was en route from Erie-Ottawa International Airport in Port Clinton, Ohio, to Lunken Airport in Cincinnati,” according to a statement from the FAA.

OSHP said Beerman departed from Port Clinton around 2:00 p.m.

While the airplane can carry up to six passengers, the FAA said only the pilot was aboard the aircraft.

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The debris field from the crash shows the plane appeared to be flying from east to west and hit power lines and crashed across U.S. 68, before coming to a stop in a field to the west of U.S. 68.

OSHP said Urbana residents lost power when the plane hit power lines.

Stephanie Jamison was driving on U.S. 68 when she heard and saw the crash happened.

“When we were leaving Urbana on 68 I heard what sounded like a motorcycle, so I thought there was a motorcycle behind me that needed to get around,” Jamison told News Center 7. “The next thing I know when I started to slow down, it came through the trees and into the field.”

U.S. 68 has reopened in the area of the crash, OSHP said.

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