A devastating aircraft incident occurred in the metropolitan area of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Tuesday afternoon, August 6, 2024. A single-engine aircraft plummeted shortly after takeoff, causing the death of all four occupants. Local authorities revealed that the incident took place around 1:30 p.m. near the 13000 block of N Sara Road.
The aircraft, a Beechcraft F33A Bonanza, had just left Sundance Airport and crashed in a nearby forest. A preliminary report by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicates that the left wing of the plane hit a hay bale during takeoff. This collision led the plane to veer off the runway, cross a field and a fence, and finally crash into the trees.
The Oklahoma City Fire Department arrived promptly at the crash site, where they were greeted by smoke and flames. Capt. Scott Douglas of the Oklahoma City Fire Department noted that the plane seemed to have collided with trees, sparking fires that were quickly put out by the firefighters.
Eyewitnesses recalled a distressing sight of a rising smoke plume as firefighters arrived.
Keith Holloway, a spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), said that investigators are expected to arrive at the scene to examine the aircraft. He noted that the investigation is in its early stages, and the plane will be moved to a secure facility for further analysis.
Residents near Sundance Airport reported hearing helicopters and seeing thick smoke. One witness recalled a large plume of black smoke emanating from the crash site while driving home from a store.
Another resident expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, extending her sympathies to the victims.
Emergency services worked tirelessly to manage the situation and put out the fires. Sundance Airport’s runways were temporarily closed as emergency responders dealt with the aftermath of the crash.
The four passengers who died have been identified. They include Daniel Swinehart, a veteran, and his two young sons, Landin (13) and Hudson (10). The fourth victim was later identified as Michael Kaswan, 68, of Oklahoma City. Daniel’s wife, Victoria Swinehart, was not on the plane.
