Plane’s wing ‘dipped’ before crashing in Clay County soybean field, killing two
The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary investigation into a fiery August plane crash that killed a California husband and wife.
Mark and Vickie Spelts of Chico, California were killed Aug. 27 as their plane attempted to land at the Midwest National Air Center near Excelsior Springs, in rural Clay County.
The airport is about 30 minutes north of downtown Kansas City.
According to the preliminary report, the Cessna 340 plane left the Washington Regional Airport in Washington, Missouri, around 11 a.m., heading toward the Midwest National Air Center.
Around 25 miles away from the plane’s destination, it descended and “entered the traffic pattern for a left base turn,” according to the report. The plane’s altitude was lower than normal, and continued to descend.
The preliminary report states that an eyewitness who lives near the accident site told investigators the plane appears to be “low and slow.” The witness also said the plane’s left wing dipped down before rolling left and crashing in a soybean field about half a mile from the airport’s runway.
A caller reported the crash to the sheriff’s office after noticing heavy smoke coming from the field. When deputies arrived, the plane was engulfed in flames.
The debris field for the accident was around 95 feet long, according to the preliminary report. The main portion of the wreckage consisted of the remains of the plane, including both wings, the tail, both engines and left propeller.
An examination of the plane after impact revealed the landing gear down and flaps retracted, according to the preliminary report. Cockpit and flight controls maintained flight control continuity, but cockpit instrumentation and electronic displays were destroyed in the fire.
Mark Spelts was the founder and chief executive of Spelts Wealth Management Inc. in Chico, California. His wife, Vickie Spelts, was the vice president of operations for the company, according to the company’s website.
The pair are remembered by the company for their kindness, generosity and support for local organizations such as the Ehloe Hospital, the Chico Police Business Support Team and Chico’s Elk Lodge.
“They believed that success was not measured by profit alone but by the positive impact we can have on the world around us,” the company previously said in a statement to The Star. “Their spirit of service will be greatly missed.”
Robert A. Cronkleton and PJ Green contributed to this report.
