MARIENVILLE, Pa. – A tragic incident occurred late Friday in the Allegheny National Forest near Marienville, Forest County, resulting in the death of John Burley, a prominent Johnstown businessman. Burley, the owner of Everything Ice, was flying his single-wing Zenith STOL CH 701 back to the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport when the aircraft crashed at 9:56 p.m. Friday. According to flight records, the plane experienced a rapid loss of altitude, followed by a steep climb and a sudden, 60-degree spiral descent to the ground.
Prior to the crash, Burley’s plane had departed from the Johnstown airport at 3:35 p.m. and made a stop at the Erie International Airport – Tom Ridge Field at 5:20 p.m. The fatal flight took off from the Erie airport at 8:58 p.m. with the intended destination of the Johnstown airport, according to aviation records.
Johnstown airport Manager Cory Cree and Cambria County Deputy Director of Emergency Services Art Martynuska have confirmed the identity of the victim as the same John Burley associated with Everything Ice. The National Traffic Safety Board is currently conducting an investigation into the crash.
The tragic death of John Burley has left the community in mourning, as he was a well-known and respected businessman in Johnstown. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the area, and the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing to provide answers to his family, friends, and colleagues. The aviation community is also closely following the investigation to understand the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring the memory of John Burley and supporting his loved ones during this difficult time. The details surrounding the crash will be meticulously examined to determine the cause, and the findings will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future.
In summary, the Allegheny National Forest near Marienville, Pennsylvania, was the site of a fatal plane crash that claimed the life of John Burley, a well-known Johnstown businessman and owner of Everything Ice. The National Traffic Safety Board is actively investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash, as the community mourns the loss of a respected figure.