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Coroner identifies pilot killed in plane crash outside Virden, Illinois

Multiple people called 911 saying the plane sounded like it was in distress, the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office said.
Credit: AP

MACOUPIN COUNTY, Ill. — One person is dead after a plane crashed just outside of Virden city limits early Saturday morning, according to the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office said.

The pilot was the only person on board the aircraft, deputies said. The Macoupin County coroner on Monday identified him as Gregory M. Bierman, 62, of Raymond, Illinois.

Multiple people called 911 at 8:48 a.m. Saturday telling officers that the plane sounded like it was in distress, Sheriff Shawn Kahl said. Two deputies located the crash about one-eighth of a mile south of Virden. 

Bierman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The National Transportation and Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will be investigating the crash.

This is a developing story. 5 On Your Side will update this article with the latest information as it is released.

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