Identities of pilots killed in Chesco crash expected on Wednesday

The Chester County Coroner's Office on Wednesday expects to release the identities of the two pilots killed in a plane crash in West Goshen Township, a spokeswoman for the office said Tuesday.

Autopsies were begun Monday afternoon, and the coroner plans to identity the victims by Tuesday night using dental records. The West Goshen Police Department will issue a statement Wednesday once the identities are confirmed, the spokeswoman said.

The two victims, both certified pilots, were killed Sunday afternoon when the small, one-engine plane they were flying abruptly crashed shortly after departing from Brandywine Airport during a routine flight review.

Witnesses said they heard the plane's engine "sputter" as it took off. It was found in the backyard of a residence, its cockpit, cabin and wings consumed by fire.

Federal officials are still investigating what caused the crash.

- Caitlin McCabe