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A twin-engine Cessna 402 crashed in the Tred Avon River, approximately 4.5 miles south of Easton Airport (ESN) in Maryland, on the morning of July 17, resulting in the death of the pilot. Robert Merlini, 56, reported a loss of engine power after departing from Tipton Airport around 9:00 a.m., en route to Easton Airport to pick up technicians for an air-sampling flight. The aircraft was discovered submerged in eight feet of water.
The Cessna was owned by the University Research Foundation, based in Greenbelt, Maryland. David Abrams, director of communication for the Maryland Department of the Environment, stated, “Today is a really sad day for the aviation community, but also the scientific community.”
Merlini, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, had reportedly been flying for the University of Maryland for several years on research missions. His body was recovered from the wreckage by first responders.
