Tom Plane Crash Investigation Report (almost exactly a year later)

For all of those who know what a tough year it's been for me losing my best friend Tom in plane crash last September, the investigation report was just announced... seems like it was just yesterday. Friends of Tom are planning a memorial fly fishing/camping trip to be held this weekend on the Kenai. Sure do love this guy and miss him with all my heart!

Failed wing may have caused fatal plane crash

Last year investigators recovered the wreckage and moved it to Wasilla. (KTUU-TV)

Also on KTUU.COM
Katmai floatplane crash leaves 4 dead

by Leyla Santiago
Friday, Sept. 19, 2008

ANCHORAGE, Alaska-- More information came out in a report Friday regarding the probable cause of a fatal plane crash near King Salmon last year.

The National Transportation Safety Board says a failed wing may have caused the accident that killed four people.

Last year investigators recovered the wreckage and moved it to Wasilla.

Tests done by a lab discovered a fracture where the left wing connected to the body of the airplane.

The NTSB says the cracks were caused by corrosion and fatigue and believe that's why the pilot lost control.

"Typically if a wing fails, you'll find that that wing or whatever part comes off the airplane in the wreckage path, a couple 100 feet to 500 feet behind the wreckage," NTSB investigator Clint Johnson said. "In this case, all of the parts of wreckage made it to the accident sight."

The plane was flying fishing clients to the Royal Wolf Lodge.

The crash killed Bruce Stephens of Wasilla, Sean Brophy and Greg Brophy of Canada, and Tom Beatty of Homer.

As a result of the investigation, the NTSB issued a special airworthiness information bulletin reminding pilots to conduct regular inspections and maintenance.