The National Transportation Safety Board have released an initial report on a plane that crashed into a Gilbert home.
NTSB report that on September 17th at approximately 7:18 p.m. a plane, classified as a Cessna 182P, N20844, crashed into a residence and was destroyed upon impact.
According to NTSB, the plane was heading to Gilbert’s annual Constitution Fair where they were to perform an aerial pyrotechnic display with four skydivers parachuting into a predetermined drop zone, 1 mile northwest of the accident site.
One of the passenger skydivers on board said he heard a loud noise and noticed damage to the airplane’s left wing after the aircraft reached the planned jump area and altitude (5,000 feet, mean sea level).
NTSB say the skydivers successfully jumped out after the left wing started on fire, all four sustained minor injuries. The pilot was able to send out a distress call before exiting the plane himself, ending in serious injury.
An investigator reported after examination of the accident site it appeared the plane struck through the house’s roof and a post impact fire consumed the majority of the airplane and interior of the house.
The aircraft was owned and operated by P & T Aerial Services.
