2 dead following plane crash in Show Low area; NTSB investigating

Plane was flying at low altitude before crashing near Show Low airport: NTSB

A preliminary report from the NTSB shows that a small plane remained at low altitude before it disappeared from sight and crashed in an open field near the Show Low airport. The pilot, 53-year-old Anthony Greco, and 38-year-old Derek Deutscher, both died in the crash.

SHOW LOW, Ariz. - Officials in northern Arizona say the NTSB, along with Show Low Police, are investigating a plane crash that left two people dead on May 25.

The crash happened when a single-engine Cessna 172 departing from the Show Low Regional Airport crashed in a meadow near Show Low Creek, the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District said.

"That area is barely visible from a couple of different routes in Show Low, so it’s quite possible people could’ve witness that happening," said Timber Mesa Fire and Medical Department Assistant Chief Randy Chevalier.

Chief Chevalier said several people called 911 to report the crash. Then, as emergency crews rushed to the scene, a patrol car flipped onto its top.

"We responded that rollover accident simultaneously," said Assistant Chief Chevalier. "There were three deputies in the vehicle, and they were all OK."

A preliminary report released by the NTSB on June 7 showed that the plane remained at low altitude before it disappeared from sight and crashed.

Pilot, passenger identified; friend speaks out

Friend remembers pilot killed in Show Low area crash

The pilot, identified as 53-year-old Anthony Greco, was one of two people killed in a crash on May 25, when a single-engine plane crashed shortly after taking off from Show Low Airport. FOX 10's Brian Webb reports.

Two people were found inside the plane – one of them was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim was taken to Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

The pilot was identified as 53-year-old Anthony Greco of Maricopa, and his passenger, 38-year-old Derek Deutscher of Phoenix.

"I lost my best friend," said Troy Hummel, who was a friend of Greco. "The last two days, I was very emotional, and you’re almost just numb."

Before Greco moved to Palo Verde, Arizona a few months ago, he made a big impact on his then hometown of Walworth, Wisconsin. He was a driving force behind an $8 million sports complex, so boys and girls had a place to play.

"You cannot replace Tony Greco," said Hummel. "Tony Grecos of this world are hard to come by, and the community was very fortunate that he chose to live in our community."

Hummel said Greco's death was a big loss for Arizona as well.

"He knew life was precious," said Hummel. "He had his ducks in a row, and I’m very thankful I got to know him for that period of time."

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Officials in northern Arizona say the NTSB, along with Show Low Police, are investigating a plane crash that left one person dead on May 25. (Shylia Adams)