A tragic plane crash in Utah has claimed the lives of a North Dakota state senator, his wife, and their two young sons, according to a preliminary report released by investigators. The report reveals that the plane took off from a remote airport with its runway lights turned off on a moonless night, resulting in the fatal crash just a minute later. Security footage and a witness confirmed that the pilot-controlled lights were not illuminated during takeoff, although the reason for this remains unclear.
The investigation also ruled out any mechanical issues as a cause of the crash during the initial inspection of the wreckage. A comprehensive report detailing the exact cause of the accident is expected to be released in over a year. The senator, Doug Larsen, his wife Amy, and their two sons, 11-year-old Christian and 8-year-old Everett, were in Utah for less than three hours before the tragedy occurred. They had been returning from a family gathering in Arizona.
Security video footage showed Larsen purchasing fuel at the airport shortly after landing in daylight and then driving into town. When the family returned to the airport after sunset, the runway was devoid of lights in the pitch-black surroundings. Despite this, the plane’s lights were observed to be functioning before takeoff.
The aircraft ascended to an altitude of 200 feet before making a sharp 180-degree turn to fly back past the airport. Soon after, it began descending and crashed into a hilltop about 455 feet away. The plane eventually came to a stop on a second hill, leaving debris from the landing gear and wheel covers scattered nearby.
Notably, the report highlighted the ease with which pilots can activate runway lights at Moab’s uncontrolled airport. However, in this instance, the lights remained off. Steven Wallace, a former accident investigator for the Federal Aviation Administration, deemed this a significant factor, stating that there was no valid reason for the lights to be turned off.
Wallace believes that investigators will likely focus on Larsen’s experience flying solely based on instruments in the absence of visual cues. The darkness of the night may have disoriented Larsen, leading to the fatal crash. Larsen’s background as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot with the North Dakota Army National Guard suggests he may have received instrument training. However, helicopter flying primarily relies on visual observations.
The investigation will continue over the next year, with investigators conducting a detailed examination of the wreckage and analyzing the plane’s engine. Additionally, they will calculate the weight distribution on the aircraft, considering the four occupants and the recently purchased fuel.
Funerals for the Larsen family were held on October 10, and they were laid to rest in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Larsen, a Republican, was elected to the North Dakota Senate in 2020 and chaired a Senate panel responsible for industry and business legislation during the 2023 session. A successor has been appointed to fulfill his remaining term.
The tragic incident has left the community mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant and his family. As investigators continue their work, the final report is expected to shed light on the exact circumstances leading to this devastating crash.
