Apple Creek, Ohio – The Wooster State Highway Patrol Post is investigating a plane crash in Sugar Creek Township that killed two local men on Monday.  

Post Commander Lt. Stephanie Norman says the crash occurred at approximately 9:14 am on Hackett Road near Carr Road and involved a Douglas DC3TP with two people on board. 

Pilot Brian L. Stoltzfus, age 55, and co-pilot Curtis R. Wilkerson, age 56, both from Apple Creek, were both pronounced dead at the scene.

So far, investigators have determined plane had left Stotlzfus Airfield on Hackett Road and was headed to the Akron-Canton Airport. Initial reports indicate that the plane had engine issues, which is believed to be a possible cause of the crash. 

Shortly after take-off, the plane struck trees and utility poles then crashed in a yard next to a residence. There were no injuries to anyone in the residence or on the ground. Electric and phone lines were damaged, and crews were on scene for much of the day working to repair service. 

Assisting on the scene were the Patrol’s Crash Reconstruction Unit and Aviation Section, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Kidron Fire Department, Apple Creek Police Department, Apple Creek Fire Department, Wayne County Coroner’s Office and Orrville Utilities.