A single-engine Beechcraft aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff Saturday morning at Brookings Regional Airport, injuring all three people on board and igniting a fire that destroyed the plane.
The Brookings Police Department received a 911 call at approximately 9:00 a.m. reporting the crash. According to officials, the plane was en route to Montana for a personal trip when it began struggling to gain altitude. At roughly 200 feet, the aircraft reportedly experienced partial engine failure. The pilot attempted to turn back toward the airport, but witnesses say the plane nose-dived into the southwest corner of the airport grounds, about one-eighth of a mile from the runway and 75 yards from the southwest gate off 16th Avenue West.
All three occupants escaped the aircraft before it was engulfed in flames. The Brookings Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished the blaze, while Brookings Ambulance transported the injured to Brookings Hospital.
The pilot, identified as 32-year-old Evan Koep of Brookings, sustained burns, contusions, and abrasions and was later airlifted to a Sioux Falls hospital for further treatment. Front-seat passenger Hayden Kerkart, 29, was also airlifted with similar injuries. Rear-seat passenger Caden Walkes, 28, is being treated at Brookings Hospital for minor injuries.
The aircraft remains at the crash site as investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continue their inquiry. Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area while the investigation is ongoing.
Despite the severity of the crash, officials confirmed that all injuries were non-life-threatening.
Comments