Tragedy struck the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, metro area on Tuesday afternoon, August 6, 2024, when a single-engine plane crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all four people on board. According to local authorities, the incident occurred near the 13000 block of N Sara Road around 1:30 p.m.
The plane, identified as a Beechcraft F33A Bonanza, had just departed from Sundance Airport when it went down in a wooded area. According to a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane’s left wing struck a hay bale during takeoff, causing it to go off the runway, and through a field and fence before crashing into nearby trees.
The Oklahoma City Fire Department responded quickly, with crews witnessing smoke and flames upon arrival. Capt. Scott Douglas from the Oklahoma City Fire Department mentioned that it appeared the plane had crashed into trees, with active fires that firefighters swiftly extinguished.
Witnesses described a distressing scene with a plume of smoke visible as firefighters approached. The crash has profoundly affected the local community.
Keith Holloway, a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) spokesperson, stated that investigators are expected to be on the scene to examine the aircraft. He mentioned that it is very early in the investigation, and the aircraft will be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.
Residents living near Sundance Airport reported hearing helicopters and seeing thick smoke. One witness described seeing a large plume of black smoke rising from the crash site while driving home from the store.
Another resident expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, stating that her heart goes to the victims.
Emergency responders worked diligently to manage the scene and extinguish the fires. Runways at Sundance Airport were temporarily shut down as responders worked to control the situation.
The FAA and NTSB will continue to investigate the incident to determine the crash’s cause officially.
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.