Oct 12, 2006 By Steve Ferris 2 min read

The cause of death of both people who died Monday when the single-engine airplane they were in crashed in a wooded area in Jefferson Township was blunt force trauma with multiple fractures and multiple internal organ injuries, according to the Fayette Coroner’s office. The deaths of pilot Charles A. Schreiber, 72, of Allison Park, and passenger Ruby Elaine Heston, 44, of Perryopolis have been ruled accidental, deputy coroner Marisa Springer said.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht conducted an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

Springer said the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have ruled the deaths accidental pending further investigation.

The FAA is having toxicology tests performed, Springer said.

The Mooney M20F plane, which Schreiber and another Pittsburgh man owned, crashed at approximately 3:20 p.m. in a densely wooded about two miles off of Zazado Road.

Rescue workers used a bulldozer to cut an access path to the crash site and all-terrain vehicles to reach the remote area.

The FAA reported that the plane took off from the Rostraver Airport. The flight was for Schreiber’s bi-annual flight review.

Heston owned Aero Executive Services, a charter service and flight school based at the airport.