SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Members of the aviation community were in mourning Thursday for a friend and colleague who was killed in a plane crash.
Paulo Emanuele was aboard a single-engine plane that crashed at the Santa Monica Airport on Wednesday at 5:05 p.m. After hitting the runway, the two-seater aircraft burst into flames, said Santa Monica police Lt. Ken Semko.
"It is with the deepest sorrow that we let you know Paulo Emanuele, General Manager of Airliners.net, died this evening in a tragic plane crash. His plane took off out of Santa Monica Airport around 5 p.m. and lost power. Paulo attempted to return to the airport, but did not make it. Paulo loved Airliners and everything it stands for," said a statement on Airliners.net.
According to the site, Emanuele "will be remembered for his passion, his kindness and his love for life."
"Paulo was an amazing pilot, an amazing photographer, an amazing friend and an amazing father. He will be deeply missed. Thank you Paulo for the time we had with you ... We know you will be smiling down on us," said the statement.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
The identity of a second person killed in the crash has not been released.
Condolences: "Announcement: Paulo Emanuele Killed In SMO Crash"