BATTLE CREEK (WKZO) — Police have released the name of the private pilot who died in an airplane crash at Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek Thursday evening.
48-year-old William Carlson Pergerson II was a pastor in the Seventh Adventist Day Church who lived in Berrien Springs.
Authorities say the plane was a small kit-built or home built plane that had taken off from the airport at about 8:20 p.m..
The pilot had almost immediately experienced engine trouble and tried twice to land, crashing and burning in a grassy area near a runway on his second attempt.
The plane was reportedly headed for Wisconsin, but that has not been confirmed.
The NTSB will Conduct the investigation. .
