Preliminary Investigation Report Released on Fatal Windham Plane Crash
Crash Details
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released the preliminary investigation report on the fatal Windham plane crash that occurred on November 24 around 6:18 p.m. The crash resulted in the fatal injury of commercial pilot, Seuk Kim.
Flight Details
According to the report, the Mooney M20J departed from Hartford County Airport in Churchville, Maryland, and was headed to Albany International Airport. The flight took off at 4:40 p.m., and around 6:05 p.m., the airplane was at an altitude of 5,000 feet, beginning to descend. By 6:07 p.m., the airplane was below 3,500 feet.
Turbulence and Last Transmission
During the flight, Kim contacted air traffic control and reported moderate to heavy turbulence at 5,000 feet. He lowered the plane to 4,300 feet and reported that the turbulence lessened to light to moderate, which was the last transmission to air control.
Crash Site and Wreckage
The last data point reported in the report shows the airplane’s altitude as 3,025 feet, which was within 100 feet of the accident site elevation. The airplane impacted the woods at an elevation of 3,090 feet, just below the mountain’s peak. The first identified impact points were two trees, approximately 80 feet from where the airplane’s fuselage came to rest. The primary wreckage location consisted of the fuselage, empennage, engine, and propeller.
Damage and Investigation
The report stated that the most damage occurred to the wings and forward fuselage. Both wings had separated from the fuselage, and portions of both wings were located along the wreckage path. The empennage remained attached to the fuselage and displayed impact damage signatures with most of the damage occurring to the horizontal stabilizer and the elevator. The wreck was retained for further examination.
Conclusion
The preliminary investigation report provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the fatal Windham plane crash. The NTSB will continue to investigate the incident to determine the cause and contributing factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was the pilot involved in the crash?
A: The pilot was Seuk Kim, a commercial pilot.
Q: What was the cause of the crash?
A: The preliminary investigation report does not specify the cause of the crash, but it mentions turbulence and damage to the wings and forward fuselage.
Q: Where did the plane take off from and where was it headed?
A: The plane took off from Hartford County Airport in Churchville, Maryland, and was headed to Albany International Airport.
Q: Is the wreckage still at the crash site?
A: No, the wreckage has been removed, and the trail has been closed until further notice.
