By Daniel L. Bamberg
The National Transportation Safety Board recently completed a preliminary report regarding the aircraft crash, which occurred on Sunday, February 6th in West Blocton just off of
According to the report the crash occurred at 4:45 in the afternoon. William “Bill” Belcher’s amateur built Firestar aircraft collided with trees and eventually the ground while maneuvering in the vicinity of a private airfield.
According to the report, no flight plan was filed, and the flight was operating under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. This suggests that the pilot was allowed to fly as and “see and be seen” plan. No radio contact would’ve been necessary for his flight.
There has been no determination made as to when the Belcher’s flight began. Witnesses at the private airfield stated they observed the aircraft make a low pass down the runway. Upon reaching the end of the runway, the craft began a steep climb at 45 degrees or greater at slow airspeed. Witnesses further suggest the airplane stalled when the right wing dropped. This caused the plane to enter a spin before it disappeared from view behind the tree line. Witnesses also suggest the engine was running until the plane was out of view.
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector is still investigating the crash. As of press time Belcher is still hospitalized and his condition is still said to be serious.
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