Two killed in plane crash

Sun., June 25, 2006

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

BIG TIMBER, Mont. – A single-engine airplane crashed and caught fire shortly after taking off from the Big Timber airport Saturday afternoon, killing both on board, Sweet Grass County officials said.

“There were two people aboard,” said Coroner Joe Hansen. “We have no information on the people until we can identify them and notify their next of kin.”

The plane crashed on private property about a mile east of the airport, said Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Kerry O’Connell. The wreckage was spread over an area 300 to 400 yards long and 150 to 200 yards wide, O’Connell estimated.

“The aircraft burned pretty darned bad,” Hansen said.

The plane, a PC12/47 turboprop, was registered to JMH Capital LLC of Medina, Wash., according to an aircraft registration database.

The crash was reported about 2:20 p.m.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are sending investigators to the crash site.

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