JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — The National Transporation Safety Board (NTSB) has released the findings of its preliminary investigation into the fiery plane crash near Jamestown on August 5.
The five-page report (NTSB# ERA24FA338) details how the Cessna 750 left the Chautauqua County Dunkirk Airport Monday morning en route to Fort Lauderdale, Florida but soon encountered issues. It crashed at 10:11 a.m.
According to the NTSB, the airplane piloted by well-known Orchard Park businessman Gerry Buchheit had been inspected and deemed airworthy just a few weeks before this crash on July 11.
The co-pilot told investigators that he and Buccheit reported smelling "electrical smoke" in interviews after the incident and that the plane started signaling there was a serious issue. The “Master Caution” indicator had lit up along with other Crew Alerting Systems (CAS) according to the report.
Buccheit told 2 On Your Side that he and his co-pilot decided to make an emergency landing. That's when the co-pilot told the NTSB they noticed their navigation and radio were out.
They ended up crash-landing short of the runway at the Chautauqua County Dunkirk Airport.
An air traffic controller reported being unable to contact the crew despite multiple attempts. The plane displayed an emergency code as it descended through 7,800 ft. and the airport was notified.
The Buffalo-based controller noted "garbled transmissions" and that the final message from the crew included “We are about to land at Jamestown.”
New images from the NTSB show the path of the plane during its final minute in the air indicating a rapid descent. A diagram also indicates that the plane slid about seven football fields or 2,150 feet once it hit the ground short of the runway. It was quickly surrounded by fire.
Buccheit was seriously injured and was not immediately available for an interview the NTSB stated, but he and his co-pilot were able to get out despite the flames.
The report stated there was no evidence of pre-impact mechanical problems and that both crew members were experienced, each having over ten thousand flight hours.
A probable cause for the crash is not mentioned in the report. The NTSB has previously stated that any contributing factors will be detailed in the final report, expected in 12-24 months.