On Tuesday afternoon, August 6, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a catastrophic event occurred as a single-engine plane crashed shortly after departure, resulting in the death of all four individuals onboard. The accident took place near the 13000 block of N Sara Road around 1:30 p.m., as per local authorities.
The aircraft, a Beechcraft F33A Bonanza, had just left Sundance Airport when it crashed into a wooded area. Preliminary data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reveals that the plane’s left wing hit a hay bale during takeoff. This led to the plane veering off the runway, crossing a field and a fence, before ramming into nearby trees.
The Oklahoma City Fire Department was quick to respond. Crews arrived on scene to find smoke and flames billowing from the wreckage. Capt. Scott Douglas of the Oklahoma City Fire Department noted that the plane appeared to have collided with trees, sparking fires that were promptly extinguished by firefighters.
Witnesses reported a distressing scene with a column of smoke visible as emergency crews approached. The local community has been deeply shaken by this incident.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) spokesperson, Keith Holloway, stated that a team of investigators will be dispatched to the crash site to thoroughly inspect the aircraft.
Residents in the vicinity of Sundance Airport reported hearing helicopters and observing dense smoke. One bystander recounted seeing a large cloud of black smoke emanating from the crash site while driving home from the store.
A local resident expressed her shock and sorrow about the tragic event, extending her deepest sympathies to the victims.
The scene was swiftly managed by emergency responders who worked tirelessly to extinguish the fires. As a result of the crash, runways at Sundance Airport were temporarily closed while the situation was brought under control.
The four passengers who died have been identified. They include Daniel Swinehart, a veteran, and his two young sons, Landin (13) and Hudson (10). The fourth victim was later identified as Michael Kaswan, 68, of Oklahoma City. Daniel’s wife, Victoria Swinehart, was not on the plane.
