Greenwood Village, CO – In a tragic incident on Friday, two people lost their lives when a small Beech BE35 airplane crashed and caught fire in an industrial office park near Denver’s suburban airport. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the cause of the crash.
A Routine Practice Flight Turns Fatal
The crash occurred as the plane was returning to the airport, according to the NTSB. Air traffic control audio reveals that the pilot was performing stop-and-go maneuvers—a common technique used by pilots to practice takeoffs and landings. After being cleared for takeoff, the pilot was reportedly circling back to the airport when the incident happened.
Deborah Takahara, spokesperson for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, initially reported the event as an explosion. Firefighters arriving on the scene found the Beech BE35 engulfed in flames and quickly moved to contain the fire, which threatened to spread to nearby buildings and diesel-powered generators within the complex.
Response and Damage Control
South Metro Fire Rescue spokesperson Brian Willie confirmed that firefighters successfully extinguished the fire before it could inflict further damage to the industrial office park housing data centers for various companies. The plane crashed in a driveway located between a warehouse-type building and the generators.
An alert from another pilot shortly after the crash reported seeing smoke and confirmed the crash location as being about a mile southeast of the field.
- The crash took place in a complex with critical infrastructure, including data centers.
- Firefighters contained the blaze promptly, preventing expansion to adjacent facilities.
- NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration are jointly investigating the crash.
Investigation and Next Steps
The National Transportation Safety Board has announced it will release a preliminary report within 30 days as part of its ongoing investigation. The incident underscores the risks inherent in pilot training exercises, even under routine conditions.
“The investigation is ongoing, and we are working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to determine the exact sequence and causes of the crash,” said an NTSB representative.
Further updates are expected as new information becomes available. For a detailed account and air traffic control audio, visit the source report.
Remembering the Victims and Reflecting on Aviation Safety
This unfortunate accident highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols during pilot training flights, especially in populated or industrial areas. The aviation community and local residents are mourning the loss of life and hoping for enhanced measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Key facts to remember:
- Crash occurred on Friday near Denver, Colorado.
- Two occupants died in the Beech BE35 airplane crash.
- Plane was performing landing and takeoff practice maneuvers.
- Firefighters contained the fire promptly, avoiding further damage.
- NTSB will provide a preliminary report within a month.
What do you think about the safety measures during pilot training flights? Have you ever witnessed or experienced a similar incident near an airport? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
