Charter Pilot's Second Class Med Had Expired

He didn't have a commercial ticket. According to FAA records, the pilot flying a chartered plane that crashed in Indiana Monday did not have the license required to fly passengers for hire.

As Aero-News reported, John Trewet and his four passengers died in the accident. A Des Moines marketing company says it hired Trewet to provide air transportation. A company spokesman didn't give particulars, but said Trewet provided prices for charter services.

The Cessna 303 Crusader (file photo of type, above) Trewet was piloting belonged to CPRT Investment Corp, a group of four owners that included Trewet.

Trewet was awarded a Second Class medical -- required to fly for hire -- in February 2005, but the FAA says he didn't renew it this year. Trewet did have a current instrument rating.

There is no preliminary indication from the NTSB on what might have caused the crash. Officials report poor visibility and fog in the area at the time of the accident.

"It was not a good night to fly," LaPorte County Deputy Coroner John Sullivan said.

Pam Sullivan, with the National Transportation Safety Board, told the Associated Press the aircraft climbed to 5,700 feet after takeoff, before spiralling down to 1,200 feet, at which point it disappeared from radar.

Early reports that stated the plane may have suffered engine problems have not been verified. The investigation continues.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov