Pilot Identified in Bangor Airport Plane Crash
BANGOR, Maine (Tuesday) — Luigi Accusani, 74, the sole occupant of a private plane, died when it crashed while attempting to land at Bangor International Airport on Friday at approximately 1:20 p.m.
Video taken by aviation enthusiast Jaxon Cook shows the Cessna 185 banking left and gaining altitude briefly before crashing into the grass. This incident marks the first fatal crash in the airport’s history, according to authorities.
Accusani, who was flying from Goose Bay, Newfoundland, was cleared for landing by air traffic control at 1:12 p.m. Communication records indicate he later requested a wind check, which reported gusts up to 19 knots. Moments later, crews were informed of the crash.
The plane, registered under tail number N714HE to Southern Aircraft Consultancy Inc. in the U.K., had recently flown in Italy, Switzerland, and Austria before heading to Canada. Witnesses reported that initial reports of the plane taking off were incorrect.
An online tribute from a Facebook group for Italian aviators expressed sorrow over Accusani’s death, recalling him as “The Conte,” a respected figure in the aviation community.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities continue to gather information to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the incident.