Fill out this form to email this article to a friend
Pilot error cause of 2003 air crash fatal to two
An investigation found no mechanical problems with the plane that crashed in a residential neighborhood. A third man was seriously hurt.
By TIMES STAFF WRITER
Published April 28, 2006
CLEARWATER - The pilot in a 2003 fatal crash near the Clearwater Airpark failed to maintain proper airspeed, costing the airplane its ability to stay aloft, a federal investigation into the accident concluded this week.
Daniel Griffith Jr., 24, and Bruce Kendell, 56, died after the Piper airplane crashed into a residential neighborhood following an August day trip to St. Augustine.
Kendell's son, Brad, survived the crash but lost the use of his legs and was badly burned.
In its final report, the National Transportation Safety Board said it could not determine if Griffith or Bruce Kendell was piloting the small private plane. Local authorities, however, have said Griffith was in control.
According to the NTSB report, the plane banked awkwardly left and right as it approached the airpark.
Witnesses said the plane was just clearing the tops of nearby trees.
The plane then turned up, to near 90 degrees, before stalling and spinning to the ground.
Several neighbors said they heard the engine die seconds before the plane sliced through treetops and crashed into a driveway at 1840 Greenlea Drive, near Keene Road, and burst into flames.
A postcrash examination of the airplane uncovered no mechanical problems.
[Last modified April 28, 2006, 01:16:18]
Share your thoughts on this story
|
News
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Print
Email story
Comment
Email editor
