Police identify pilot killed in plane crash in Bedford, NH

BEDFORD, N.H. — An investigation is underway in Bedford, New Hampshire after a plane crashed on the banks of the Merrimack River late Friday night.

The Bedford Police Department confirmed early Saturday morning that at approximately 11:36 p.m., authorities began receiving calls of a plane crash in the area of the Merrimack River and Reed Drive.

“Responding officers discovered an aircraft that crashed on the banks of the Merrimack River behind the Heritage Trail in the vicinity of 14 Technology Drive,” said Bedford Police Chief John Bryfonski. “The aircraft was fully engulfed in flames at the time.”

Bedford police, the Bedford Fire Department, and mutual aid partners at the scene found a twin-engine airplane crash on the riverbank, just across the river from the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

Authorities told Boston 25 News the pilot was the only person on board. He was tentatively identified as Emanuel Vomvolakis, 23, of Linden, Michigan, who died due to the injuries he sustained in the crash. Positive identification is pending an autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Police confirmed there were no residences or structures struck.

“There are a number of apartment and condo complexes within a few hundred yards, right over here about 50 yards away is a condo complex,” said Bryfonski. “We’re very thankful that despite the tragedy that involves the pilot and his family that it didn’t involve any other buildings or any other persons on the ground.”

Police said the aircraft was being operated by Castle Air based out of Ohio and was transporting medical supplies.

It was on its way from Essex County, New Jersey, to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

“The pilot of the aircraft radioed into Manchester Airport Tower on approach that the aircraft was experiencing engine trouble, and then a short few minutes later, the communication center here at the police department began receiving 911 calls,” said Bryfonski. “The aircraft wreckage was probably 2,000 feet or less from a landing runway here at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.”

Bedford Police did notify the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board about the crash. No further details on the crash have been released at this time.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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