Woman Killed Flying Ultralight Aircraft

HANNIBAL, NY — A 74-year-old woman who flew her own ultralight aircraft died near her home on Sunday.

State Police said their preliminary investigation has revealed that, at 8:10 p.m., Jeanette M. Reyner of Hannibal was operating her personally owned single seat 1997 Ultralight Aircraft near her residence. Reyner was flying for about 35 minutes when she began to fly back toward the runway, located behind her home, police said.

Several witnesses heard the engine cut out as the plane was approaching the runway. Witnesses reported they lost sight of the aircraft and heard it crash behind a tree line. A family member rushed to the scene and called 911.

Reyner was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for today to determine an official cause of death. The investigation is continuing.