Pilot Dies in Early Morning Chesterfield, Mo, Plane Crash

CHESTERFIELD, MO. - An adult male pilot was killed early Tuesday, March 17, 2026, after a plane crashed at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Mo., and local police said federal aviation investigators will conduct the follow-up investigation.

The pilot of the plane was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said there was no indication that any other occupants were on board.

The St. Louis County Police Department Metro Air Support Unit’s Spirit of St. Louis Airport Detail is investigating the crash at the airport at 18270 Edison Avenue in Chesterfield, Mo.

St. Louis County Police said they were notified of a possible downed plane just after 3 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2026, and officers began searching the area. St. Louis County Police Detail officers located the crash site at the east end of the south airport runway, police said.

A preliminary investigation indicates the pilot departed from Spirit of St. Louis Airport overnight and, at some point, attempted to return to the airport, according to police.

“This is an active investigation, and preliminary information could change,” police said.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were notified and will conduct the follow-up investigation, police said.

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