The NTSB has released its preliminary findings on the fatal crash of a Pilatus PC-12 in July

On Wednesday, August 28, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its preliminary findings on a plane crash that killed seven passengers earlier this summer. The crash occurred on July 26, in which the pilot of a Pilatus PC-12 lost control while flying over Wyoming. The plane crashed into the countryside and all passengers lost their lives.

NTSB preliminary findings

The NTSB was on site immediately after the incident. Since then, the NTSB has been evaluating all data to announce its preliminary findings. The investigation is not yet complete as more information is still available and a final report has not yet been released.

The preliminary investigation report from NTSP Aviation details the incident. The Pilatus PC-12, registration N357HE, initially took off from Nebraska City Municipal Airport (KAFK) in Nebraska City, Nebraska at approximately 12:00 p.m. local time. The Pilatus PC-12 headed northwest toward Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Billings, Montana. It remained at an altitude of 26,000 feet for the next hour.

However, at about 1:02 p.m. local time, N357HE climbed another 1,550 feet and turned to the right, making a turn of about 270 degrees. During this turn, the aircraft descended about 2,000 feet before climbing back to an altitude of about 27,000 feet. The aircraft then attempted to turn around and made a 180-degree turn. At this point, the aircraft had an altitude of about 21,900 feet.

During this second turn, the pilot contacted the local air traffic control tower in Salt Lake City and reported that the aircraft had lost its autopilot. The pilot also declared an emergency at this time. The tower attempted to contact the aircraft, to which the pilot eventually responded that he was attempting to gain control of the aircraft. The tower responded by providing altitude and IFR information, but received no response. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) then issued an alert notification (ALNOT) for the aircraft after receiving no response.

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The plane was located by local law enforcement about 12 miles northeast of Recluse, Wyoming, a remote area. The plane crash sparked a large forest fire in the area. The fire engulfed about 40 acres of the surrounding area. Two segments of the left wing and other aircraft debris were recovered from the wreckage trail of the accident.

About the incident

The plane, number N357HE, was a 2010 Pilatus PC-12. It was registered to Haynie Enterprises, which is based in Henderson, Nevada. Three of the four members of the Nelons were on board the plane at the time of the crash. The Nelons are a famous gospel band that was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016. At the time of the crash, the fourth member of the Nelons, Autumn Nelon Streetman, who was not on board the plane, confirmed the death to AP News. The three members of the Nelons who died in the crash include Jason Clark, Kelly Nelon Clark and Amber Nelon Kistler. Other passengers include Amber Nelon Kistler’s husband Nathan Kistler, Melodi Hodges, Melissa Haynie and pilot Larry Haynie.