Pilot ID'd In Plane Crash Into Wooded Area In Somerset County

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ — Authorities have identified the pilot who died in a plane crash in a wooded area in Franklin Township on Sunday.

The deceased was identified as Pankaj Mohan, a 61-year-old resident of Lawrenceville, said Franklin Township Police Captain Vincent T. Wilson.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Mr. Mohan during this incredibly difficult
time," said Franklin Township Public Safety Director Quovella M. Maeweather.

At 11:26 a.m., a call from air traffic control reported a loss of contact with a single-engine aircraft flying over Franklin Township, said Maeweather.

The Cirrus SR22 plane had left Princeton Airport for Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The aircraft was last reported in the area of South Middlebush Road and Jacques Lane.

New Jersey State Police immediately began an aerial search, while the Millstone Valley Fire Department deployed a drone to help locate the aircraft.

At around 1:22 p.m., the FAA gave more information that led to the discovery of the aircraft in a brushy area near South Middlebush Lane and Hilltop Lane.

Personnel from the Franklin Township Police and Millstone Valley Fire confirmed one person inside the downed aircraft, Maeweather said.

The pilot was confirmed dead, according to police.

The identity of the pilot has not yet been disclosed.

For safety reasons, the immediate area surrounding the crash site was evacuated. A search for any additional occupants continues.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead in the investigation, which
is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective William
Poling at 732-873-5533, extension 3227, or via email at William.poling@franklinnj.gov.

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