Abrupt engine stop caused fatal South Dakota plane crash

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board says a recent plane crash in South Dakota that killed one man and injured another was caused by an abrupt engine stop.

The single-engine 1997 Piper Malibu Mirage crashed near Pierre on Oct. 23, killing the 76-year-old passenger, Hugh Alexander, and injuring pilot Eric Meyers.

The NTSB said Tuesday that the engine “abruptly stopped” and “rolled back” as the plane climbed from the Pierre Regional Airport. The pilot noted no abnormal indications or warnings before the sudden loss of power.

The plane was headed to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where both men were from.

November 11, 2023