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Kevin James Esh, 30, of New Holland, was piloting a Piper PA-32 Cherokee when his plane burst into flames as it crash into a field near Charlottesville, Virginia on Wednesday around 11:30 p.m., according flight data and Virginia state police.
Esh had taken off from Blue Ridge Regional Airport, near Martinsville, around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, flight records show. He was heading northeast when the Cherokee began losing altitude, approximately 45 minutes into the flight, according to flight logs.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
His community is already sharing about its loss on social media. One mourner said he was "A friend to many with a servant heart. You left so soon, yet we know your work here is complete."
He was a co-owner of Keystone Custom Decks where he worked alongside his brothers, after his father and company founder, Amos R. Esh passed, according to the company and his obituary.
"In his free time, he loved hunting, flying, boating, and spending time with his nephews, Lincoln, Riley, Carter, Lewis, and Brady," his obituary states.
He is survived by his mother, Sarah King Esh, and his six siblings: Michael J., husband of Rebecca Lalhlimzing Esh of New Holland, Marv L., husband of Katelyn Weaver Esh of Gap, Carolyn J., wife of Nathan Lapp of Coatesville, Timothy D., husband of Ranessa Yoder Esh of East Earl, Rosalyn M., and Annalisa M. Esh, both at home, according to is obituary.
His funeral service took place at Bethel Christian Fellowship, 145 Boot Jack Road, Narvon, on Tuesday, September 20th at 10 a.m.
His interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.
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