Aircraft Hit A Tower Guide Wire In "Heavy Fog"

A Piper PA-32 with five people aboard hit a communications tower guide wire in what authorities described as "heavy fog" and crashed into a park, killing all of the occupants of the plane.

Piper PA-32 File Photo

Dr. Stephen Lester and three members of his family were among the casualties, as was Dr. Kenneth Veteto, a family friend. They were enroute to Dallas' Love Field, and were planning to attend the Oklahoma University football game on Saturday. FAA records indicate the plane was registered to Dr. Lester.

Multiple news sources, including the Associated Press and MSNBC, indicate witnesses in Chanlder Park in Tulsa said they heard a sound like a loud 'pop', and saw the aircraft tumbling through the air. It hit the ground and caught fire. Authoroties sid two of the occupants were ejected from the aircraft as a result of the impact.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol report said heavy fog and "almost zero visibility" likely contributed to the accident. Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. George Brown said the tower is between 150 and 200 feet tall, and was obscured by low clouds. "It's apparent that the pilot did not see this tower," Brown said.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov