Pilot killed in small plane crash in Spencer

SPENCER, Mass. -- A pilot was killed when his small single-engine plane crashed just short of Spencer Airport on Wednesday.

“I heard it but I didn’t see it. I’m sorry somebody got hurt. It’s an awful thing, especially around the holidays,” said a witness.

“I didn’t even know anything happened for about an hour after, because it sounded to me like it possibly was hunters, because all the hunters are in and out of the woods here all winter,” said Colleen Holmberg, who lives near the airport.

Friends identified the pilot as Greg Andrews, an experienced flier and owner of the airport.

“He’ll land anywhere, or can land anywhere, and he’s very good. Excellent pilot,” said Dave Stark, the pilot’s friend.

Crews covered up the part of the plane that was on the ground after the crash, while one of the plane’s wings was spotted stuck in the trees.

“It was a mess. It looked like just a pile of plane,” said Holmberg.

“Knowing that as long as you live next to an airport, you’re bound to see something like that happen sooner or later,” said Caleb Itterman, who lives near the airport.

Friends said they never thought a crash would happen with someone with so much experience.

“You won’t find a better person than Greg Andrews, believe me. Well-loved in town, and well-liked by everybody,” said Stark.

Some witnesses speculated that a gust of wind may have caused the small plane to move off course.

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