Zeeland Twp., MI (WGHN) – Authorities are investigating the death of an 80-year-old Zeeland Township man after his small aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near his home on Sunday.
According to Ottawa Executive Airport officials and neighbors who spoke with WOOD-TV, the victim, Robert Fidler, had built the aircraft—a Lancair 360—from a kit in hangars at the airport located off Byron Road, just east of I-196. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records show the fixed-wing, two-seat aircraft was completed in 2022 and certified as airworthy in 2023. Fidler, a highly experienced pilot, had been seen flying the aircraft in video footage recorded last August.
The crash occurred shortly before 11 a.m., just after takeoff. Initial reports from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and Zeeland Township Fire Department are being compiled and will be turned over to the FAA, which is leading the investigation.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Fidler have not yet been announced.
This marks the second crash at Ottawa Executive Airport in 2025. On April 8, a Cessna 180 flipped onto its wings after veering off the runway during a landing attempt. Fortunately, both people on board were uninjured.
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