Personal Injury Law

Missouri couple killed in plane crash

By Ryan Bradley, Esq.

Orlan Kellenberger, 64, and his wife, Mary Kellenberger, 64, were both killed in a fatal plane crash in Iowa as they attempted to fly back to their Missouri home.

According to local media, the couple had been visiting West Bend, Iowa and were taking their Beechcraft A36 Bonanza home when it lost power and crashed. Orlan Kellenberger was flying at the time of the crash.

The FAA is investigating the incident to try and determine why the single engine prop plane suddenly crashed. Results of the investigation may not be available for weeks.

Our thoughts are with the family of the victims. If the investigation of this deadly plane accident determines that there was a mechanical problem, hopefully the information gathered can be used to fix any potential problems in other aircraft and save lives.

The Beechcraft Bonanza line is one of the most popular personal aircraft models in the world. Its popularity means that the plane has also seen its share of high-profile crashes. The notorious "Day the Music Died" crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper and their pilot, Roger Peterson, involved an older model of the Beechcraft Bonanza. Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Randy Rhoads and television host Peter Tomarken were also killed in Bonanza crashes.

Despite these notable incidents, the plane usually receives high marks for safety with most crashes blamed on pilot error. The only recurring problems seem to revolve around the landing gear, but there's no indication a landing gear malfunction was involved in the Kellenberger crash.

Full post as published by Missouri Accident Lawyer Blog on June 17, 2010 (boomark / email).