Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/5296/-1/135/

Mourning Death of Anguillian Pilot


Relatives and friends in Anguilla and the United States Virgin Islands are mourning the death of Anguillian pilot Levette Ruan, 62, whose private aircraft crashed some three and a half miles off the northwest coast of St. Croix on Sunday evening, October 7.


The late pilot, Levette Ruan, flanked by his mother (left) and his wife Carmen at right
The late pilot, Levette Ruan, flanked by his mother (left) and his wife Carmen at right
Reports out of St. Croix stated that the Twin Engine Beach Baron aircraft left the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas without filing a flight plan. It was further reported that the Control Tower at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix received a call from the pilot saying “I have a problem…” which the US Coast Guard assumed to mean “problem.” The weather was said to have been stormy, causing the suspension of other inter-island flights.

It is understood that the Anguillian pilot, who owns one of the largest marinas in St. Thomas, was travelling to St. Croix to pick up his grandchild. Search and rescue personnel reported finding human remains, seat cushions, the tail of the aircraft and fibreglass at the crash site in the water.
Two Anguillian pilots, Kurby Hodge and Cleophas Hodge, a Flight Instructor, were among those who searched for the downed aircraft.

Ruan, who has relatives in Island Harbour and Deep Waters, frequently flew his aircraft to Anguilla at times to visit his 83-year-old mother Elaine La Beet who resides at George Hill. She is deeply saddened by his death but is being well comforted by family and friends and her own resolve as a strong person.

The largely-built Anguillian pilot was the husband of Mrs. Carmen Ruan formerly of Deep Waters here in Anguilla and the father of three grown children. The Anguillian joins in extending condolences to them, his mother and other relatives.




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