Authorities in Brookings, South Dakota, reported that a Beechcraft, single-engine, four-seat plane crashed on the property of the Brookings Regional Airport on Saturday morning (September 6th).
According to a police spokesperson, at approximately 9:00 a.m., they received an emergency 911 call reporting the crash.
The plane crashed about an eighth of a mile from the runway.
An investigation determined that the plane was heading to Montana on a personal trip, but struggled to take off.
After takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 200 feet, the plane may have experienced a partial engine loss. The pilot turned the plane around in an attempt to return to the airport.
Authorities believe the plane experienced complete engine failure while turning back. Witnesses reported seeing the plane nose-dive into the ground and crash in the southwest corner of the airport grounds.
After all three occupants exited the plane, it was quickly engulfed in flames.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze, and Brookings Ambulance treated and transported all three occupants for non-life-threatening injuries.
The 32-year-old pilot and 29-year-old front-seat passenger were airlifted to Sioux Falls for further treatment.
The 28-year-old rear-seat passenger is being treated at Brookings Hospital.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will investigate the crash.
This story is courtesy of Media Partner KTIV in Sioux City by way of Dakota News Now in Sioux Falls.
