PA-32 Appeared To Be In Sound Condition

Federal investigators say there was no mechanical problem with the Piper PA-32 that went down shortly after takeoff from an airport in southwest Missouri Monday. The aircraft crashed on departure from M. Grant Clark Airport in Point Lookout, killing all five people on board.

The NTSB made that announcement on Thursday, as its investigation into the fatal accident was just getting underway. The aircraft had just taken off from the airport at College of the Ozarks when the pilot apparently tried to abort. There were lengthy skid marks on the runway. The aircraft plunged into a ravine at the end of the runway and burst into flames.

The victims were identified by the Taney County coroner as:

• pilot Steve Buchanan, 60
• Lezli Graham, 37 (Buchanan's daughter)
• Byron Graham, 37 (Lezli's husband)
• Kasey Graham, 14 (Lezli and Byron's daughter)
• Cade Graham, 3 (Lezli and Byron's son)

Buchanan and his family had flown to the college airport on Saturday.

NTSB Investigator Tim Sorensen told local reporters there was no immediate indication that the PA-32 was in distress. There was also no indication that the aircraft was overweight, he said.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov