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

NORFOLK, Neb. (KTIV) – Federal authorities have released their preliminary report on a plane crash in northeast Nebraska that killed the pilot.

The disaster happened on Monday, October 7, near the airport in Norfolk. Police said emergency crews were called to Norfolk Regional Airport at approximately 7:40 p.m., where they found the crashed plane near the runway. The pilot, Philip Widner, 37, of Bedford, Texas died at the scene.

A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the crash occurred just after takeoff, landing about 640 yards short of the runway. Authorities say the plane was on a cargo flight headed for Omaha.

“The plane took off from runway 20 and left the ground. The aircraft then entered a left bank turn, descended and collided with terrain,” the NTSB’s preliminary report said.

The plane split in two during the crash, with the tail section coming off and the rest of the plane about 24 yards away.

An overview of the plane crash near Norfolk Airport. After the accident, a fire broke out and... — An overview of the plane crash near Norfolk Airport. After the crash, a fire broke out that destroyed most of the plane.(NTSB)

“After the collision, a fire broke out and destroyed most of the wreckage,” the NTSB said.

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

It is not yet known what caused the accident, as the authorities are still investigating.