Preliminary report: Loss of power caused plane crash

ISHPEMING — The investigation continues into a fatal plane crash that occurred last month in Ely Township.

According to the preliminary report, officials with the National Transportation Safety Board say the plane crash that occurred on July 18th was the result of a power failure.

A witness told the NTSB that he was watching the plane when he heard a change in the engine noise. He added that the plane’s engine quit in the midst of a left bank maneuver.

Two Ishpeming residents, 49–year–old Dean Honkala and 48–year–old William Brewer died in the crash. The NTSB says the final report on the crash will take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to complete.