Mon, Oct 03, 2011
Witness Saw R44 Sink Below Trees, But No Smoke Or Fire
The NTSB is investigating the crash of a Robinson R44 (file
photo of similar aircraft shown) in Caledonia, Michigan which
claimed the lives of the pilot and a passenger on their way to a
private hunting area. The aircraft wasn't reported missing for more
than two days, and a witness who saw it go down didn't report it,
because she thought it was a routine landing.
The
Alpena News reports authorities were told by family members
that 46-year-old pilot Dan Logghe took off from Richmond with his
passenger, 34-year-old Mark May of Sterling Heights, about 1830
local time Friday, September 23, headed for the Ridgevale Hunt Club
in Ossineke. After the pair weren't heard from all weekend, the
family reported the helicopter missing about 1000 Monday.
A witness identified as Colleen Konieczny of Herron says she saw
the aircraft miles south of her home, descending until it went
behind trees, but she says there are clearings in the area where
small planes can be landed. When she saw no smoke or fire, she
assumed it was a routine landing. Hunters found the crash site
Monday morning.
The paper reports investigators from the FAA and NTSB, assisted
by a representative from Robinson Helicopter, responded. NTSB
senior air safety investigator Aaron Sauer told the News autopsies
with forensic toxicology testing will be done, and the wreckage has
been moved to a secure area while the board decides whether to
inspect it in depth. Local officials reported some inclement
weather around the time of the accident.
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