Four Onboard Killed As Plane Goes Down During Go-Around

ANN REALTIME UPDATE 02.23.06 2300EST: Aero-News has confirmed the Columbia 400 that went down in Virginia Wednesday night was a factory-built, certified aircraft -- making the latest accident the third involving a certified Lancair (later, Columbia) aircraft.

The FAA database shows two Columbia aircraft registered to Homeowners Title LCC. It is not yet clear which of those airplanes -- 350RP or 400WX -- may have been involved in the accident.

Aero-News reported in October 2005 on the first-ever loss of a certified Columbia airplane, also a 400, that went down in southern California. Weather conditions at the time of that accident were poor, as they were Wednesday night in Virginia. A week later, another Columbia was lost in a night flight over mountainous terrain. All the accidents appear to be operator-error, and no airframe or systems failures are suspected as causal in any of the reported accidents documented, thus far.

Original Report

There are no survivors in the downing of a Columbia 400 (described, inaccurately, as a Lancair 400 in media reports) Wednesday night as it was attempting to land at Stafford Regional Airport in Virginia.

The single-engine plane (file photo of type, below) went down after an aborted landing attempt at approximately 11:40 pm Wednesday night. Investigators believe the pilot veered off into trees following a go-around. The wreckage was found Thursday morning approximately 500 yards from the airport.

Killed in the crash were pilot Richard Potter, 49; Albert "Buck" Jacoby, 56; Graham Green III, 57; and Michael Pappas, 47. All four men were from the Frederickburg area. Authorities believe the men were heading home from Winston-Salem, NC after watching the Wake Forest/Clemson men's basketball game.

State police Sgt. F.L. Tyler told the Associated Press the aircraft had originally attempted to land at Shannon Airport in Fredericksburg, about 12 miles away, but was turned away because of inclement weather at that airport. Heavy fog enveloped the area Wednesday night, and hindered recovery efforts throughout Thursday.

Potter was flying under an IFR flight plan, said FAA spokeswoman Arlene Murray.

The Associated Press reports the aircraft was registered to Homeowner Title LLC. State records obtained by the AP show Potter is listed as the company's principal owner.

FMI: www.faa.gov