Federal officials have released new information regarding the deadly plane crash in Lancaster County last month. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the small aircraft, piloted by 58-year-old Musaddiq Nazzer, crashed shortly after takeoff from Lancaster Airport. The crash occurred just 20 seconds into the flight, resulting in Nazzer's death.
According to the NTSB, Nazzer was flying a Piper PA-46-500TP Meridian when it crashed into a cornfield on July 20. The aircraft had been topped off with approximately 170 gallons of fuel before the flight. Despite following preflight protocols, Nazzer did not read back an instruction after being cleared for takeoff. The plane left the ground at a speed of 136 knots but suddenly pitched down, crashing at a rate of -1600 feet per minute just a quarter mile from the runway's end.
Nazzer, a Lebanon native and physician, held a third-class medical certificate and had accrued 2,350 flight hours. He was the only person on board and had an instrument rating, allowing him to fly using the plane's instruments.
Two days before the crash, a protection order was filed against Nazzer by his wife, alleging physical and sexual abuse. She claimed that Nazzer had physically assaulted her and threatened her life. The Lebanon County Sheriff's Office had evicted Nazzer from his home as part of the order, and he was scheduled for a court hearing the day after the crash. The protection order will be considered in the ongoing investigation, which is expected to conclude by early 2027.
The NTSB is examining the aircraft's structure, systems, and environmental factors that may have impacted the flight. Investigators are also looking into the pilot's physical and mental condition. The investigation will continue for 18 to 20 months, with a final report to be released thereafter.