The pilot killed Sunday in a plane crash near Hazen has been identified.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol says 67-year-old Michael Hauf of Minot died after his plane crashed near Mercer County Regional Airport.
The crash happened Sunday afternoon after the aircraft took off from the airport. Witnesses told investigators the plane was seen trying to return to the runway with its landing gear back down before it lost altitude and hit the ground during a possible stall.
The FAA’s preliminary notice says the plane was on a personal flight, was in the takeoff phase, and sustained substantial damage. The notice also references a post-crash fire.
Hauf was the only person on board. No passenger or ground injuries were listed.
The National Transportation Safety Board says it is investigating the crash. A preliminary NTSB report had not been posted as of Tuesday afternoon, and no cause has been released.
Comments