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Benson man killed in plane crash
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| National Transportation Safety Board investigators on scene at Benson Municipal Airport, site of a Wednesday night crash that claimed the lives of two men. (Chris Dabovich/photo.) |
Chris Dabovich
San Pedro Valley News-Sun
A Benson man was one of the two passengers killed Wednesday night when the small plane they were in crashed at Benson Municipal Airport.
Benson Fire Dept. Chief Keith Spangler on Thursday identified the victims as James Edward Robertson, 53, of Benson and Lance Swapp, 48, of Luna, N.M.
The plane crashed during a landing attempt at about 7:30 p.m. at the airport, about three miles north of Benson. One witness said the plane made one approach, circled back around and landed hard on the second attempt, which then caused the aircraft to bounce, and flip over.
The twin-engine Beechcraft Baron was destroyed and there was no fire. Investigators recovered the mangled aircraft and the bodies Thursday afternoon.
Howard Plaguens, National Transportation Safety Board investigator in charge, said the investigation is in its initial stages.
Plaguens said investigators were not sure where the plane was coming from.
"We're in the preliminary stage of our investigation," said Plaguens. "We're documenting the wreckage, checking the area for ground scars, etc." He said the initial stage could take a few days.
Benson authorities received the call at 7:31 p.m., according to the city police incident call log and confirmed by Benson Volunteer Fire Department Chief Keith Spangler. Fire Departments from St. David, Mescal and Pomerene assisted, as well as the Cochise County Sheriff's Office.
Plaguens said it could " take several months" to complete the investigation.
Spangler said the initial call came across as a major plane crash and authorities were unsure what they were dealing with until they arrived on scene.
"Plane crashes are very rare for us," said Spangler, acknowledging all area crews who offered assistance.
San Pedro Valley News-Sun
A Benson man was one of the two passengers killed Wednesday night when the small plane they were in crashed at Benson Municipal Airport.
Benson Fire Dept. Chief Keith Spangler on Thursday identified the victims as James Edward Robertson, 53, of Benson and Lance Swapp, 48, of Luna, N.M.
The plane crashed during a landing attempt at about 7:30 p.m. at the airport, about three miles north of Benson. One witness said the plane made one approach, circled back around and landed hard on the second attempt, which then caused the aircraft to bounce, and flip over.
The twin-engine Beechcraft Baron was destroyed and there was no fire. Investigators recovered the mangled aircraft and the bodies Thursday afternoon.
Howard Plaguens, National Transportation Safety Board investigator in charge, said the investigation is in its initial stages.
Plaguens said investigators were not sure where the plane was coming from.
"We're in the preliminary stage of our investigation," said Plaguens. "We're documenting the wreckage, checking the area for ground scars, etc." He said the initial stage could take a few days.
Benson authorities received the call at 7:31 p.m., according to the city police incident call log and confirmed by Benson Volunteer Fire Department Chief Keith Spangler. Fire Departments from St. David, Mescal and Pomerene assisted, as well as the Cochise County Sheriff's Office.
Plaguens said it could " take several months" to complete the investigation.
Spangler said the initial call came across as a major plane crash and authorities were unsure what they were dealing with until they arrived on scene.
"Plane crashes are very rare for us," said Spangler, acknowledging all area crews who offered assistance.
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| Mayor wants investigation to proceed |
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