Businessman, 60, his wife, 55, and their son, 18, are killed when their small plane crashes into Michigan home and bursts into flames - as family-of-five inside escape unharmed
A small plane flying from Georgia crashed into a house and burst into flames in southeastern Michigan, killing the pilot, his wife and son on board.
The crash took place Saturday around 4pm when the single-engine Piper PA-24 plane suddenly plummeted into a two-story home, just north of the Oakland/Southwest Airport in Lyon Township, Michigan.
David S. Compo, 60, his wife Michelle, 55, and their 18-year-old son Dawson died in the fiery crash, the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan said Saturday night.
Compo had just retired as president of the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan on New Years Eve.
Compo, an experienced pilot, had flown to Canton, Georgia on December 29 and the family was returning home to Michigan in their private plane on Saturday when the tragedy struck.
A family-of-five was inside the home when the plane hit, but escaped unharmed. But the residence was severely damaged by fire in Lyon Township, located 40 miles northwest of Detroit.
A small plane flying from Georgia to Michigan crashed into a home near a local airport and engulfed it in flames, killing three people on board the aircraft
A family-of-five was inside the home when the plane hit, but escaped unharmed. A view of the tail of the small plane above protruding from the side of the home
Victims: Business man and experienced pilot David S. Compo, 60, his wife Michelle, 55, and their 18-year-old son Dawson died in the fiery crash
The family had been in the living room getting ready to watch a movie and went into the kitchen to get snacks when the plane crashed into the living room moments later and engulfed the house in flames.
The family's cat died, according to WDIV.
At the scene the smashed remains of the small white plane were seen protruding from the home.
Compo was also the president and co-founder of Compo Builders Inc., based in Novi, according to the company's website.
'We were fortunate to have David leading our team for 2020,' Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan CEO Michael Stoskopf said in a statement, as per ClickOnDetroit.
'His involvement, professionalism and experience over the years have been great assets to our organization and he has been a true friend to me as we faced challenge after challenge during this past year,' he added.
Compo had just retired as president of the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan on New Years Eve. Compo was also the president and co-founder of Compo Builders Inc., based in Novi. Son Dawson pictured right
The Lyon Township Fire Department shared these photos showing the extensive damage the house suffered
Firefighters pictured descending upon the scene on Saturday afternoon
Firefighters pictured outside and inside the home after the fire exploded
David Compo was a prominent figure in his community.
Throughout his career he’s overseen the building for over 600 southeast Michigan families as well as hundreds of remodeling and indoor pool and spa projects.
He was named the HBA Builder of the Year in 2013 and Developer of the Year in 2015.
Neighbors said when the plane crashed, the house was so thick with smoke, they didn't think it would remain standing.
'You couldn’t even see the house, it was so much smoke. There was a huge cloud of smoke, really tall flames and we thought the whole house was going to be gone,' neigbor Chase Southwick, said.
A view of the home covered in thick smoke above. The crash caused severe damage to the home
A view of the house damage and the broke off tail of the small plane above
'It was just weird because a hot air balloon crashed in the exact same spot this summer,' he added.
According to FlightAware the plane took off at 12.51pm and was scheduled to land at 4.11pm.
The FAA registry shows the plane is owned by Aircom LLC, which is based in Novi and shares an address with Compo Builders, and was manufactured in 1964. Both are registered to Compo.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
At the time of the crash the weather was not severe other than some low cloud cover, according ot the National Weather Service White Lake Township office.
There was no rain, ice or snow and temperatures were around freezing and winds light.