NIAGARA FALLS, NY – A tragic incident unfolded as a single-engine Cessna crashed during a skydiving flight, claiming the life of pilot Melanie Georger, 26. Georger, a resident of Towanda, New York, was pursuing her dream of becoming a commercial pilot, as revealed by her father in a heartfelt statement following the accident.

Described as a dedicated pilot, Georger was flying for a local skydiving company when the fatal crash occurred. The passengers she had flown before the ill-fated flight expressed gratitude for being safely on the ground and mourned the loss of Georger, reflecting on the eerie feeling of narrowly avoiding the tragedy themselves.

The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office identified the skydiving company involved as Skydive the Falls, known for offering a scenic flyover of Niagara Falls before each jump. Despite the unfortunate outcome, Georger’s commitment to her role and encouraging interactions with passengers were recognized and praised by those who had encountered her.

Sheriff Michael Filicetti expressed relief that the crash did not result in further casualties, pointing out the proximity of the accident to a populated area. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the aircraft involved in the crash as a single-engine Cessna 208B, with the National Transportation Safety Board leading the investigation into the incident.

An outpouring of support for Georger emerged on social media, with Eagle East Aviation also recognizing her achievement of obtaining a private pilot certificate in July 2021. As the investigation progresses, the aviation community and loved ones of Georger seek answers and reflect on the impact of the tragic loss in the aviation industry.