The pilot and sole occupant in this airplane, who died in the crash, has been positively identified as Lloyd Gerber from Billings. (courtesy photo)
On April 20 at 9:50 am, fire and law enforcement were dispatched to a reported airplane crash at the Billings Rod and Gun Club located near the top of Zimmerman Trail, just a few miles west of Logan International Airport.
Billings Fire responded along with Airport Fire Rescue to extinguished a blaze in grass and timber that was caused by the crash.
They were able to determine that the pilot was the alone onboard the plane at the time of the crash and, with assistance from the Billings Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division recovered the body from the aircraft at approximately 1:30 pm. The body was then transported to the State Forensic Lab in Billings for autopsy.
The FAA arrived in Billings Monday afternoon to begin their investigation. Other investigators arrived Tuesday Morning.
After the an autopsy had been performed, it was dental records that allowed the pilot to be positively identified as Lloyd Gerber. The medical examiner reported the cause of death as asphyxia from inhalation of combustibles resulting from the plane crash and fire.
There is no information yet as to the cause of the crash. Investigators will continue working to determine the cause of the crash.
