Missing pilot found dead with crashed ultralight aircraft after search in Indiana County

A Blair County man was found dead Thursday morning after an ultralight aircraft he was piloting crashed in an Indiana County corn field.

The body of David Edward Wittmer, 75, of Logan Township and his aircraft were found after 10:30 a.m.

Indiana County Coroner Jerry L. Overman Jr. said the death was caused by multiple blunt force trauma and has been ruled accidental.

The crash site was discovered by a volunteer pilot who was assisting with the aerial search.

Wittmer’s ultralight aircraft was found crashed in a corn field along Coal Run Road in Young Township less than one mile from where it had taken off Wednesday, reportedly between 6 and 6:30 p.m.

A member of the Pennsylvania State Police Aviation Patrol Unit then confirmed the location of Wittmer’s ultralight aircraft and directed first responders to the scene.

State police initially reported that the state police aviation patrol found the crash, but corrected that information Thursday evening.

First responders determined that Wittmer had died, and his next-of-kin has been notified, police said.

Wittmer’s next-of-kin were notified, as has the Federal Aviation Administration.

Derman Funeral Home of Tyrone is in charge of arrangements.

According to police, Wittmer was reported missing when he failed to return after taking off in the craft from a field that is used as a landing strip near Church Street in the vicinity of the village of McIntyre.

Police said Wittmer was practicing touch-and-go landings at the field.

A touch-and-go is a typical flight training maneuver that helps a pilot master takeoffs and landings. The pilot lands and then increases power to immediately take off again.

Coal Run/McIntyre, Black Lick, Iselin/West Lebanon, Creekside, Coral-Graceton and Elderton volunteer fire department assisted in the search.

Searchers initially located Wittmer’s truck near the landing strip. His cellphone was found inside a nearby camper he was using, police said.