Overview

• The NTSB report says an airport operator warned the pilot about a turtle, prompting him to lift the right main wheel about 1,400 feet down the 2,424-foot runway.
• Eyewitnesses described the Stinson 108’s wings rocking before it climbed out of view behind a hangar and ultimately crashed roughly 225 feet beyond the runway’s end.
• The aircraft struck a densely forested area, caught fire and came to rest wedged between trees with most of its frame intact but its fabric burned away.
• The pilot and one passenger were killed and a second passenger was seriously injured, and authorities have not released the victims’ identities.
• The NTSB and FAA are continuing their investigation with the wreckage and engine retained for further examination and a final report still pending.