January 12, 2008, Port Clinton, Ohio, Cessna 340

The airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain during an approach for landing at about 1237 Eastern time. The pilot, pilot-rated passenger in the right seat, and two passengers were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness, who was a pilot and FAA inspector, stated the airplane appeared to be flying very slowly, level but descending, with the landing gear extended. The aircraft continued to slow, then stopped flying and stalled. The nose and left wing dropped sharply as the plane entered a counterclockwise spin. It made about 1 to 2 turns, then disappeared below the tree line.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An airplane crashed during a landing approach, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft and the fatal injury of four occupants, including the pilot and a pilot-rated passenger.
  • A witness reported the aircraft flying very slowly, descending with landing gear extended, before it stalled, entered a counterclockwise spin, and disappeared below the tree line.
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The airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with terrain during an approach for landing at about 1237 Eastern time. The pilot, pilot-rated passenger in the right seat, and two passengers were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed.

A witness, who was a pilot and FAA inspector, stated the airplane appeared to be flying very slowly, level but descending, with the landing gear extended. The aircraft continued to slow, then stopped flying and stalled. The nose and left wing dropped sharply as the plane entered a counterclockwise spin. It made about 1 to 2 turns, then disappeared below the tree line.

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