A preliminary report into the fatal plane crash in Norfolk has been released

NORFOLK, Neb. (KTIV) – Federal authorities have released a preliminary report into a plane crash in northeastern Nebraska that killed a pilot.

The crash occurred on Monday, October 7 near the airport in Norfolk. Police say emergency services were called to Norfolk Regional Airport around 7:40 p.m., where they found a crashed plane near the runway. The pilot was 37-year-old Philip Widner of Bedford, Texas died on the spot.

A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shows that the crash occurred shortly after takeoff, when the plane landed about 600 meters from the runway. Authorities say the plane was on a cargo flight and headed to Omaha.

“The plane flew off runway 20 and rose above the ground. The aircraft then veered to the left, descended and impacted the terrain,” the NTSB preliminary report said.

As a result of the crash, the plane split into two parts, the tail part fell off and the rest of the plane was approximately 24 meters away.

A review of the plane crash near Norfolk Airport. After the accident, a fire broke out and... — A review of the plane crash near Norfolk Airport. After the crash, a fire broke out and consumed most of the plane.(NTSB)

“Following impact, a fire occurred and consumed most of the wreckage,” the NTSB said.

All major components of the plane were found at the crash site, but due to fire damage, no useful readings could be obtained from the cockpit.

The cause of the crash is still unknown as authorities are still investigating.