Police release the names of two people injured in plane crash

ALLEGHANY COUNTY (WSLS 10)  - Officials released the names of  two people involved in a plane crash Friday. The pilot of the aircraft was identified as Paul Stuart Furlow, 61, of Poole Dorset, United Kingdom, the passenger was identified as Siri Njos, 49, of Louisville, KY. Officials said the victims were injured and transported Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

According to officials, Alleghany County 911 received a cell phone call on Friday from a female stating she was in an aircraft that had crashed in a ravine in a wood area.  Alleghany County was able to receive a signal from the complainants cell phone, which gave an approximate location of the crash on Little Mountain.

State Police, Bath County Sheriff's Office and Bath County Fire and Rescue Units began a systematic search in the area which was given by Alleghany County 911 near Valley Elementary School.  At 5:31 pm the downed aircraft was located 800 meters southwest of Open Trail Road with both the pilot and the passenger still in the aircraft.  Both were stabilized and had to be carried from the location to the awaiting Med Units.

The Virginia State Police investigation of the crash revealed the Aircraft was flying from Louisville KY to Annapolis MD, when it came into poor weather. The pilot was attempting to locate Ingalls Field to land due to the weather conditions and was flying too low when the aircraft struck the trees before impacting the ground, resulting in the passenger side wing and tail being torn from the aircraft.

The plane came to rest in an upright with the nose slightly buried in an embankment.  The Aircraft was damaged on all sides, however the cabin area was relativity intact. It appeared both occupants were wearing the proper restraints at impact.

The FAA was notified and provided with the location of the aircraft.