Tragic Plane Crash Near Norfolk Airport Claims 21 Lives, 16 Injured
A devastating aviation disaster unfolded near Norfolk Airport, resulting in the loss of 21 lives and leaving 16 others injured. According to a report from Norfolk Police, the incident occurred when a passenger aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, a twin-engine Beechcraft C-99 operated by Ameriflight, was en route from Norfolk Regional Airport to Omaha’s Eppley Airfield. The crash took place approximately 640 yards from the runway, with the plane descending into a left bank turn before impacting the ground. A post-impact fire consumed a majority of the wreckage, making it impossible to retrieve useful data from the cockpit instruments.
The pilot, identified as 37-year-old Philip Widner from Bedford, Texas, was the sole occupant of the aircraft and tragically died at the scene. Widner had landed at Norfolk Regional Airport at 7:09 p.m. and departed at 7:35 p.m. The crash occurred shortly thereafter, around 7:40 p.m.
Emergency responders from Norfolk Police and the East of England Ambulance Service were dispatched to the scene.Upon arrival, they found the aircraft engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts, all four occupants of the helicopter were believed to have perished in the crash. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of next of kin.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings indicate that the aircraft experienced a loss of communication with Norfolk International Airport approximately 90 minutes before the crash. The wreckage was discovered about three hours later inside a wooded section of Norfolk Botanical Garden.
This tragic event has left the Norfolk community in shock. Local residents have expressed their condolences and support for the families affected by the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
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