Bedford, N.H., police investigate plane crash on Merrimack River

BEDFORD, N.H. — The Bedford Police Department responded to a plane crash on the banks of the Merrimack River Friday night, according to a statement from Police Chief John Bryfonski.

At approximately 11:36 p.m., the Bedford Police Department began receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a plane crash near the Merrimack River and Reed Drive.

Bedford Police, the Bedford Fire Department, and mutual aid partners responded and located a twin-engine airplane crash on the riverbank, just across the river from the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, according to the statement. Police said no residences or structures were struck. 

The Bedford Police Department identified the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft as a 23-year-old Emanuel Vomvolakis of Linden, Michigan. He was killed in the crash.

The aircraft was being operated by Castle Air, based in Canton, Ohio, and was transporting medical supplies, according to the statement.

The flight originated from the Essex County, New Jersey Airport and was inbound to the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport when the pilot reported engine trouble just prior to the crash, police said. 

The Bedford Police Department secured the crash site and notified the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board, according to the statement.

Federal authorities are expected to investigate the crash, and any additional information will be released by the investigating federal agencies.

The public is asked to avoid the Bedford Heritage Trail in the area of 14 Technology Drive at this time.

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