Pilot Intentionally Flew A PA-28 Into The Side Of A
Building
The NTSB has issued a preliminary
report concerning the crash of a PA-28 flown by Joe Stack into the
side of a building which housed IRS offices in Austin, Texas. The
NTSB says that, because this was an intentional act, primary
responsibility for the investigation has been assumed by the
FBI.
NTSB Identification: CEN10FA124
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, February 18, 2010 in Austin, TX
Aircraft: PIPER PA-28-236, registration: N2889D
Injuries: 2 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may
contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when
the final report has been completed.
"On February 18, 2010, approximately
0958 (CST), N2889D, a Piper PA-28-236 single-engine airplane, was
destroyed after the pilot intentionally flew it into the side of an
office building in Austin, Texas. The private pilot and an employee
who worked in the building were killed. The airplane was registered
to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions
prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight
conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight
originated from the Georgetown Municipal Airport (GTU), Georgetown,
Texas, at 0944.
"Preliminary review of air traffic
control communications and radar data revealed that after the pilot
was cleared for take off from Georgetown Airport, he proceeded
southbound and climbed to an altitude of 4,800 feet. During this
time, a controller approved a radio frequency change and the pilot
responded, "Eight niner delta thanks for your help have a great
day." No further communications were made with the pilot. At 0954,
the airplane was observed on radar descending out of 4,800 feet and
making a turn toward the west. At 0957, the airplane was last
observed on radar at an altitude of 1,000 feet on a southwesterly
heading before the data ended.
"The airplane collided with the office
building between the first and second floors, and exploded on
impact. The airplane's engine, two (of three) propeller blades, and
the right wing came to rest outside of the building. The empennage
came to rest on the ledge of the building and was partially hanging
over the edge. The left wing, portions of the fuselage, and a
propeller blade, were found inside the building on the second
floor. The flaps were found in the fully retracted position. The
airplane was destroyed by impact and the post-impact fire.
"As this event was an intentional act,
the FBI has assumed jurisdiction and control of the
investigation."