Pilot dies nearly 1 week after flames engulf plane at Allegheny County Airport

WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — A pilot has died nearly one week after being rescued from his plane, which was on fire at the Allegheny County Airport.

Ira Saligman, 53, of the Philadelphia area, suffered burns to his body and face in the July 25 incident.

Jeff Martinelli from the Allegheny County Airport Authority said the Yak aircraft landed at the airport around 9:50 a.m. He said the pilot notified the tower of his landing when the plane was about 20 miles east of the airport.

The pilot did not indicate that there was an emergency, or that he was in distress, but once he landed, tower personnel noticed flames coming from the plane, Martinelli said.

Officials said the pilot, who was the only occupant of the plane, got out of the craft, but was taken to UPMC Mercy hospital in Pittsburgh, which has a burn unit.

The aircraft involved was privately owned. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

The airport was closed for a brief time, but reopened shortly after the pilot was taken to the hospital.

Associated Press