Staff report

MIDDLEFIELD — The Chardon Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal plane crash that killed three people over the weekend near the Geauga County Airport.

The crash occurred just after 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The patrol stated in a report that a preliminary investigation determined a Piper Comanche 250 crashed into a field, approximately 1 mile east of the Geauga County Airport.

The report states the single-engine Piper sustained major damage and the three occupants were killed.

The victims were identified as Thomas A. Cunningham, 76, of Rome, Ohio; and John W. Taipale, 71, and Alexander C. Taipale, 40, both of Geneva.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been notified and are leading the investigation to determine the cause and will provide any updates as information becomes available.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, Middlefield Fire Department, Geauga County Emergency Management Agency, Community Care Ambulance and the Geauga County Coroner’s Office.

Officials said responders from Mesopotamia also were called to assist as mutual aid in this crash.

WRPA STATEMENT

Anthony Trevena, executive director of the Western Reserve Port Authority, which oversees the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, released the following statement after the crash:

“We were heartbroken to learn that members of our extended YNG and Youngstown aviation family were victims in Saturday’s crash in Geauga County. Our deepest condolences go out to the Cunningham and Taipale families. We ask that their privacy please be respected during this difficult time.”