Witness Saw R44 Sink Below Trees, But No Smoke Or Fire

The NTSB is investigating the crash of a Robinson R44 (file photo of similar aircraft shown) in Caledonia, Michigan which claimed the lives of the pilot and a passenger on their way to a private hunting area. The aircraft wasn't reported missing for more than two days, and a witness who saw it go down didn't report it, because she thought it was a routine landing.

The Alpena News reports authorities were told by family members that 46-year-old pilot Dan Logghe took off from Richmond with his passenger, 34-year-old Mark May of Sterling Heights, about 1830 local time Friday, September 23, headed for the Ridgevale Hunt Club in Ossineke. After the pair weren't heard from all weekend, the family reported the helicopter missing about 1000 Monday.

A witness identified as Colleen Konieczny of Herron says she saw the aircraft miles south of her home, descending until it went behind trees, but she says there are clearings in the area where small planes can be landed. When she saw no smoke or fire, she assumed it was a routine landing. Hunters found the crash site Monday morning.

The paper reports investigators from the FAA and NTSB, assisted by a representative from Robinson Helicopter, responded. NTSB senior air safety investigator Aaron Sauer told the News autopsies with forensic toxicology testing will be done, and the wreckage has been moved to a secure area while the board decides whether to inspect it in depth. Local officials reported some inclement weather around the time of the accident.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov