Another Angel Flight Down - Fatalities

[ScottM]

Sad news form Florida.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/...?title=Three+dead+following+small+plane+crash

A man, woman, and a teenager died in a plane crash at Vandenberg Airport Thursday afternoon.The pilot has been identified as Harlan Northcott, 81.
Northcott, who himself had cancer, had picked up the passengers in Stuart, Florida to transport 49-year-old Patricia Snyder for medical treatment in Tampa as part of Angel Flight.
She had brought along a 15-year-old family friend, identified as Tyler McLellan.

As for possible cause....

The sheriff's office said the plane was taking off from the airport and possibly hit a tower.

 

[TangoWhiskey]

Crashes that take lives are always bad, but when it touches a charity flight, it seems to hurt so much worse...

 

[TMetzinger]

So sad. These happen so rarely, and every time I read of one I fear further regulation or restrictions.

 

[bstratt]

That bites!

 

[ScottM]

More news

Investigators say weather was not likely a factor in the crash. Bay News 9 meteorologists say between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m. there were light rain showers in the area and no lightning.
Investigators are now looking to see if it was mechanical or a pilot error that caused the plane to crash.
NTSB investigator Corky Smith said the plane was at about 45 feet in the air when something went wrong.
"Witness observed aircraft as it rotated and then struck localizer antenna and then came crashing to the ground bursting in flames," Smith said.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/...uled+out+as+factor+in+fatal+Tampa+plane+crash

 

[bbchien]

Although I am NOT speculating here, at age 75, Lifeline requires a copilot who is rated in type, for this sort of flight.

I also note the pilot had not reported his medical condition to the FAA....yet since his last medical. This may be of NO significance.