March 21, 2012, Glencoe, Minn., Beech Model 35 Bonanza

At 1112 Central time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted an open field under unknown circumstances. A post-impact fire ensued. The non-instrument-rated private pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. Instrument conditions prevailed.Several witnesses reported hearing an airplane flying low and hearing a loud snap or pop consistent with a gunshot. One witness heard a second explosion as the airplane struck the ground.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A non-instrument-rated private pilot and two passengers were fatally injured when their airplane crashed in an open field, resulting in substantial damage and a post-impact fire.
The accident occurred under unknown circumstances, but instrument conditions (low overcast, limited visibility, fog/mist) prevailed at the time.
Witnesses reported hearing the low-flying airplane, a loud "snap or pop" consistent with a gunshot, and a second explosion upon ground impact.

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Several witnesses reported hearing an airplane flying low and hearing a loud snap or pop consistent with a gunshot. One witness heard a second explosion as the airplane struck the ground. These witnesses described the weather as low overcast skies with limited visibility due to light fog and mist.