Beech 1900 Down On Takeoff In Billings, MT
Fri, 23 May '08
Freight Hauler Impacts Building, Pilot Lost
ANN REALTIME REPORTING 05.23.08 0855 EDT: Details are sketchy regarding the fatal downing of a Beechcraft 1900 twin turboprop in Billings, MT early Friday morning.
Here's what we know so far. The aircraft, believed to be carrying US mail, went down on takeoff from Billings Logan International Airport at approximately 0120 MDT. The B1900 (type shown above) reportedly impacted a building near Main Street and Jerrie Lane, about two miles northeast of the airport.
The pilot and sole occupant onboard the aircraft was killed.
The aircraft caught fire on impact, reports KULR-8. The Billings Fire Department responded to the scene, as did the Airport Fire & Rescue division.
According to the news station, the plane took off from the airport "but changed directions," possibly indicating an attempt to return to the airport.
The pilot's identity has not been released, nor has information about the plane's operator. Online flight tracking website FlightAware.com shows several Alpine Air B1900s and Beech 99s scheduled to leave Billings at the approximate time of the accident.
ANN will update this story as more information becomes available