HORNELL, N.Y. (WETM) – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary investigation report regarding the fatal plane crash that occurred on Aug. 1 in Hornellsville.

In the report, the NTSB states that before the crash took place, the Cessna airplane operated by a student pilot, previously identified as 41-year-old Brian J. Valder of Penfield, was headed south after taking off at the Ledgedale Airpark (7G0) in Brockport on a personal flight.

The report states that after flying south for about 40 miles, the plane entered an area with poor tracking coverage about 12 miles before the crash occurred in Hornellsville around 7 p.m., leading to a loss in tracking ability during the final moments of the crash.

Witnesses near the crash scene that evening provided per

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