NTSB: Plane in fatal crash was flying too low

Tools

By The Associated Press

Story Published: Nov 18, 2009 at 7:36 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 18, 2009 at 7:36 PM MST

BOZEMAN - Federal investigators say an airplane that crashed near Townsend in March, killing the pilot, was flying too low.

The National Transportation Safety Board report says pilot Sparky Imeson used poor judgment in failing to maintain enough altitude before his plane crashed on March 17 at the base of a mountain range near Canyon Ferry Lake.

In a report released Tuesday, the NTSB said it found no mechanical issues with the aircraft and said the plane collided with trees before hitting the ground. Friends said Imeson was trying to photograph the site where he had survived a plane crash two years earlier. He had taken off from Bozeman and was scheduled to fly to Helena.

Imeson, who was 64, was an experienced pilot, author and instructor known for his expertise in flying over mountainous terrain.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

News, Sports, Weather for Great Falls, Helena, and all of Montana and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Great Falls Weather

Icon
Current Temp 46.0 °F
A Few Clouds
Wind : Southwest at 9.2 MPH (8 KT)
Pressure : 1007.7 mb
Humidity : 38 %
Click here for our video forecast
More Weather

Helena Weather

Icon
Current Temp 40.0 °F
Overcast
Wind : West at 15.0 MPH (13 KT)
Pressure : 1011.3 mb
Humidity : 65 %
More Weather

On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Cast Your Vote

Do you believe a large area of land in northeast Montana should be designated as a National Monument?

  • Yes
  • No

AP Video