By Brian Gilliland, Associate Editor
(July 5, 2018) A Beechcraft Debonair airplane piloted by Berlin resident Guerrino Mascelli apparently caught fire shortly after takeoff and crashed on the 8th hole of the Assateague Greens golf course on Friday, sending both pilot and passenger, Mary Mascelli, to the hospital but not injuring anyone else.
State police responded to a call shortly after 9 a.m. to the golf course, on the 9000 block of Stephen Decatur Highway, to find the plane burning and the occupants outside the craft.
Police reported the couple, both 60, left the plane under their own power.
The Mascellis were both transferred to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury by emergency responders. Guerrino was airlifted, while Mary was taken by ambulance, according to police.
Officials at PRMC confirmed that by Monday the Mascellis had left the hospital, but could not verify if they had been sent home or to another facility.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Play resumed shortly thereafter at the course, with golfers treating the downed aircraft as an obstacle.