https://www.themirror.com/sport/american-football/east-aurora-plane-crash-dawkins-868639(after radar contact lost, also included the search as ATC didn't know exactly where he went down. RIP)
A pilot has died in East Aurora, New York State after crashing a private plane into the yard of NFL star Dion Dawkins' home on Thursday (Dec. 19).
The Buffalo Bills left tackle was excused from practice after tragedy struck at his property south east of Buffalo. Police confirmed they had received a 911 call at 11:22 a.m. reporting a small plane crash. They found the aircraft, a single-engine Beechcraft A36 plane, engulfed in flames. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the crash and will now investigate.
Dawkins and his family escaped unharmed after the incident in close proximity to their home. Dawkins is engaged to Daiyaana Muhammad, a registered nurse, and the couple shares three children. East Aurora Police confirmed the pilot, who has not yet been identified, died as a result of the crash. The flight originated from Lansing, Michigan and was heading to White Plains, north of New York City.
Police said the plane had mechanical issues. Shortly before the crash, at 11:16 a.m., the pilot had declared an emergency and was diverting his journey to Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
"Only the pilot was on board. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide further updates." the FAA said in a statement to 2 On Your Side.
Police Chief Patrick Welch, says the Buffalo Niagara International Airport put out an alert for a plane having mechanical problems at 11:16 a.m. It then reportedly crashed a few minutes later.
