I just saw this this morning. Condolences to family and friends. The passenger was from my area but the pilot/airplane information hasn't been released yet.
The Associated Press
GRANGEVILLE, Idaho — Officials in Idaho County say a gust of wind hit an airplane just as it was taking off from an airstrip in the Nez Perce/Clearwater National Forest, forcing the plane to crash and killing the pilot.
A second man on board was treated for minor injuries.
Idaho County Chief Deputy Jim Gorges tells The Lewiston Tribune ( http://bit.ly/LzNkpk) the men were taking off from the Moose Creek Ranger Station east of Grangeville ahead of an expected thunderstorm when a gust of wind caught the plane, causing it to crash and catch fire.
Gorges says the passenger, Anthony Dipaolo of Coeur d'Alene, was flown to the hospital in Grangeville.
Gorges says officials expect to recover the pilot's body on Friday. His name and hometown were being withheld while family members were notified.
Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/06/2 ... rylink=cpy
