We’re learning new information on the tragic death of a 17-year-old who died in a plane crash in a neighborhood near Lock Haven on the 4th of July.
The Clinton County Coroner confirmed the plane crash Thursday Morning took the life of 17-year-old Maisie Bitler of Williamsport.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported the Cessna 172 crashed into a wooded area near South Allegheny Street in Woodward Township.
Bitler was the only occupant on board and succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Friends and family continue to mourn the loss of Maisie Bitler, who they considered a phenomenal individual
Piper Composite Squadron Wing, which Bitler was a part of, posted to Facebook saying: “she was able to lift up someone when they were down, welcome the new person, and was truly a natural leader to cadets and senior members alike,”
A friend of hers, Sierra Zaborowski, tells me she knew Bitler for a few years through Civil Air Patrol, and considers herself one of her mentors.
“The last 3-4 days have just been shocked. I just keep waiting for a text message from her. I keep waiting for a Snapchat or anything, our typical back-and-forth, here and there,”
“We lost someone who was a light, that’s what Maisie was, she was very much so that light, joy, and happiness. I just hope people take that and who she was and be that for someone else,”
Zaborowski is a pilot herself and even went flying yesterday. She says flying is her favorite place to be, but it’s now more emotional.
“Now I’m going up and I’m remembering Maisie every time I go, I want to be a better pilot not just for her, but for the students I will have. I want to be able to be a better pilot and take her memory and be better because of it,”
Bitler earned the nickname “toast” by many at the Civil Air Patrol, since she would bring in a loaf of bread, butter and a toaster for a snack.
“Everyone has shared how she died now, but I think it’s important that everyone should remember how she lived and how they can spread that,”
Zaborowski is looking to have stickers made in memory of the young pilot, as a reminder to live each day to the fullest.