SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – A plane crash at the Brookings Regional Airport resulted in three people injured and an aircraft in flames.
The City of Brookings Police Department received a 911 call at 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning, reporting that a Beechcraft single-engine, four-seat plane crashed at the Brookings Regional Airport.
According to a press release from the City of Brookings, the investigation determined that the plane was heading to Montana on a personal trip when it struggled to take off.
At an altitude of 200 feet, just after take off, it may have experienced partial engine loss. The pilot turned the plane around, attempting to return to the airport. While returning, the aircraft may have had a complete engine failure.
Witnesses described that the plane nose-dived into the ground, crashing in the southwest corner of the airport grounds. The aircraft quickly went up in flames upon the exit of the three occupants.
The Brookings Fire Department responded, extinguishing the burning aircraft. The Brookings Ambulance treated and transported the three occupants to Brookings Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
The pilot, a 32-year-old Brookings man sustained contusions, abrasions, and burns. He was later airlifted to a Sioux Falls hospital for further treatment.
The 29-year-old front-seat passenger was also airlifted to a SF hospital for contusions, abrasions, and burns.
the 28-year-old rear-seat passenger is being treated at Brookings Hospital for minor contusions and abrasions.
The aircraft is still at the scene pending an investigation from the NTSB and FAA. The public is asked to avoid the area. The scene is secured as it’s an active and on-going investigation.
