Paulo Emanuele, pilot and general manager of the aviation enthusiast website and community Airliners.net, died on January 28, 2009, when the aircraft he was piloting crashed near the Santa Monica airport. The plane, reportedly a Marchetti F260, took of from the airport around 5:00 p.m. According to witnesses, shorty after takeoff, the plane appeared to be experiencing difficulties and appeared as though it was trying to return to the airport, but then crashed and burst into flames.KLTA.com: Aviation Expert Killed in Santa Monica Plane Crash (January 29, 2009)
Martin Schaedel, a consultant for Fancompare.com, has been identified as the passenger who died in the crash.Los Angeles Times: Friends Say Santa Monica Plane Crash Victim... (January 30, 2009)
Statement From Airliners.net
"It is with the deepest sorrow that we let you know Paulo Emanuele, General Manager of Airliners.net died this evening in a tragic plane crash. His plane took off out of Santa Monica Airport around 5:00 PM and lost power. Paulo attempted to return to the airport, but did not make it. Paulo loved Airliners and everything it stands for. He will be remembered for his passion, his kindness, and his love for life. Paulo was an amazing pilot, an amazing photographer, an amazing friend, and an amazing father. He will be deeply missed.hank you Paulo for the time we had with you...We know you will be smiling down on us."Airliners.net: Paulo Emanuele
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Pilot and general manager of Airliners.net
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Died on January 28, 2009
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Plane he was piloting crashed and burst into flames at approximately 5
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Santa Monica Airport was closed immediately after the crash and reopened at 7
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Airliners.net released a statement announcing Emanuele's death before the police verified the victims' identitiesLos Angeles Times: Plane crash victim said to be aviation website chief (January 29, 2008)
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National Transportation Safety Board investigator said "there was a loss of engine power on take-off"Los Angeles Times: Friends Say Santa Monica Plane Crash Victim... (January 30, 2009)
