Preliminary report released on crash that killed pilot en route to New Haven

A plane crashed in Augusta, Georgia, in early May, killing the pilot on board.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A small plane en route to New Haven was taking off when it struck a tree and crashed, killing the pilot, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board.

The plane took off from Daniel Field Airport in Augusta, Georgia, and was en route to Tweed-New Haven Airport at the time. The pilot, Jason McKenzie, was the only one on the Beechcraft A36 Bonanza.

McKenzie was taking off at about 7:15 a.m. on May 2 when he veered left and crashed into the tops of old oak trees, separating part of the left wing. The plane then crashed into the front yard of a house in the residential area.

The plane caught fire after the crash. According to the report, the landing gear was extended and the wing flaps were retracted at the time.

McKenzie did not make any emergency calls, according to the report. Although the plane was not visible on surveillance footage from the area, cameras captured the sound of the engine and then the impact on the tree and ground.

The weather was calm and clear at this point. A federal team will examine the wreckage.