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Octorara School Board President, Sam Ganow, 65, of Cochranville, was the pilot and only person onboard a twin-engine Gulfstream American GA-7 that crashed in a Coatesville neighborhood around 1:40 p.m., the Federal Aviation Administration told Daily Voice.
The plane is owned by Mr. Dent Inc. of Manheim, according to flight logs although the FAA and NTSB have yet to officially confirm that.
The crash remains under investigation and a preliminary accident report is expected to be released by tomorrow, the FAA said.
School district Superintendent Steven Leever named Ganow as the pilot in a statement to students and families on Thursday evening.
"Mr. Ganow was not only a dedicated member of the Octorara Area School District School Board but also a cherished and respected member of our community," Leever wrote.
"Mr. Ganow served the Octorara community as a school board member for 26 years. His commitment to education and his tireless efforts to enhance the educational experience for our students made a lasting impact on our school district."
In his personal life, Leever said Ganow was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who was an active member of his church and also owned an equipment rental business. The 65-year-old was an avid skier and had served as a judge for hundreds of winter sports events across the world, according to his colleague.
"Sam’s loss will be felt across a number of communities," Leever said.
Counselors and support services will be made available for students and staff, the superintendent added.
A National Transportation Safety Board investigator will visit the crash scene Friday to document, examine, and recover the wreckage, a spokesperson said. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.
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