Family Identifies Pilot Killed In Small Plane Crash In Queens

RYE, N.H. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The family of a New Hampshire businessman has confirmed he was the pilot who died when a small plane crashed in Queens.

The plane crashed Wednesday night in the waters off Breezy Point.

Phil McGee said his brother, 57-year-old James "Brad'' McGee, was killed. He said his brother called his wife Wednesday night to tell her he was heading home from a business trip in Philadelphia. He was to fly to Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Authorities recovered one body and said they believe the pilot was alone.

The National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday that it was still searching the water for the engine. The tail and fuselage were separated, but were recovered largely intact.

"We are still looking for a couple of pieces, I hear are out there still, but we have gathered most of the plane," NTSB Investigator Heidi Moats said.

The NTSB said the plane did not have a data recorder, but may have GPS devices that will aid in the investigation.

A preliminary report will be issued in about 10 days. It will take about a year to finish the final report.

A longtime friend, John Callaghan, said he and McGee started two companies designed to help small businesses find financing.

Public records say McGee received his sport pilot license in 2012.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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