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Deadly Plane Crash in Arizona

arizona mapSedona AZ (October 4, 2013) – At 12:28 PM, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the report of a plane down on the Gunsite firearms training academy property in Paulden, Arizona. Witnesses say the plane clipped some trees and then appeared to explode on impact.

YCSO spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn said four persons are believed to have been aboard, and all aboard perished in the crash.

The airplane has been identified as a Cessna 340, six passenger aircraft. The FAA confirmed that the plane departed Bullhead City, Arizona, earlier today. Initial reports on site indicate the plane was expected to land at the Prescott (AZ) Airport, and the passengers were scheduled to arrive at Gunsite later in the day.

It has not been determined why the aircraft was in the area over Gunsite prior to arrival at the Prescott Airport.

Cessna 340

Cessna 340

Some witnesses also indicated the airplane may have struck a radio tower located on the Gunsite grounds which may be a causal factor in the crash.

FAA and NTSB officials have been notified.

Identities of those on board the flight are unconfirmed and will be delayed until next of kin notifications have been completed.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website.

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For the best in Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

6 Comments

  1. John says:

    I am so sorry for the lost lives from such a stupid act. Small planes buzz the area around Gunsite and Paulden all the time so this was bound to happen sooner or later. Thank God this guy didn’t crash into a house with a family in it!
    If you are one of those pilots be warned, from now on I will be calling the Sheriffs department when you fly like that.

  2. Very unfortunate,

    Has anyone ever noticed how low and close to Highway 89A the hot air balloons are that take off in that area?

    I have been out there in the early morning on my bike ride and you can actually see the faces of the people in the bucket! I’ve taken photos of these folks, the balloons are very pretty and the pilots seem to be pretty stupid!

    I keep wondering when one of these balloons will have more than a close encounter with a vehicle traveling 65 MPH.

    Why does poor judgment have to highlight just how irresponsible people can be?

    Gary Chamberlain
    Cornville AZ
    Vietnam veteran

  3. Irv says:

    Chamberlain is right. In a balloon? Not for money watching them down in Anthem near prison flying close to power lines. No thanks.

  4. Deb says:

    I agree with you John and think we should all be calling the police to complain when the planes are extra low and around Sedona we’ve got lots of copters and jets flying in fast and low around our houses so enough already!

  5. Motorists should prepare for gusty winds across Arizona – ADOT reminds drivers to “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” if dust reduces visibility!

    The Arizona Department of Transportation cautions drivers that strong winds and blowing dust could impact travel today on Arizona’s highways.

    The National Weather Service has issued wind and blowing dust advisories for much of the state, which are in effect in some areas beginning at 9 a.m. today.

    Travelers along Interstate 8 (between Yuma and Casa Grande), Interstate 10 (between Phoenix and Tucson), State Route 347 (near Maricopa) and Interstate 40 (between Flagstaff and Holbrook) may encounter wind gusts between 30 to 50 mph and areas of blowing dust.

    Drivers are advised to stay alert because strong winds can result in sudden periods of limited or zero visibility due to blowing dust, especially in desert areas. Motorists play an important role in safety when operating their vehicles during a dust storm.

    ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety recommend the following driving tips when encountering a low-visibility dust storm:

    Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.

    If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.

    Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway — do it as soon as possible.

    Completely exit the highway if you can, away from where other vehicles may travel.

    Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.

    Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.

    Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.

    Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

    Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

    Be alert that any storm can cause power outages to overhead roadway lighting and traffic signals. Drive with caution and treat all intersections without signals as having stop signs in all directions.

    For more information driving tips, please visit PullAsideStayAlive.org.

    For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

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