Ohio pilot dies after ultralight crash

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (AP) — The pilot of an ultralight aircraft has died after authorities say he tried to abort takeoff and slammed into a fuel tank at a central Ohio airport.

A witness told the Ohio State Highway Patrol that 45-year-old Robert Wheeler of Mount Vernon was airborne for a brief distance Sunday at Wynkoop Airport but then brought the plane back down shortly after 5 p.m.

Troopers say the ultralight veered out of control and off the runway before hitting the fuel tank, which Wheeler struck with the right side of his body.

He was taken by helicopter to Ohio State University Medical Center in critical condition and later died there.

The patrol says its Mount Gilead post is continuing to investigate.