An Alaska man was killed in a plane crash as he was flying over his daughter's wedding reception after the aircraft's landing gear struck trees, according to Alaska State Troopers, Reuters reported.
Michael Zagula, 54, crashed his Cessna 206 Sunday evening in Trapper Creek, located approximately 120 miles north of Anchorage, according to the state police dispatch, according to KTUU.
"Troopers and (emergency medical services) personnel responded to the location and determined (Zagula) was deceased due to the crash," the incident report read. "Initial investigation by troopers indicated Zagula was flying over the area of his daughter's wedding reception and the landing gear from his aircraft, a Cessna U206G, struck a tree and caused the aircraft to crash."
A guest present at the victim's daughter's wedding, who wished to remain anonymous, said that Zagula had officiated the wedding ceremony at approximately 5 p.m. before posing for pictures with the newlyweds. The bride and the groom cut the cake and at some time during the reception, Zagula left to do the flyover. He flew over the party and on his way back guests saw his aircraft hit the trees and lose control, according to KTVA.
Chief of The National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) Alaska region Clint Johnson said an investigator was scheduled to arrive at the crash site Monday. The pilot's body has been sent to the medical examiner's office, where an autopsy will be conducted.
