An afternoon takeoff at Gnoss Field Airport in Novato ended in tragedy yesterday when a single-engine airplane crashed into a hangar around 3:50 p.m. The Marin County Sheriff's Office confirmed the pilot, who was alone on the Aero Commander 200D, was killed in the accident. CBS News Bay Area reported the airport was locked down following the crash, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) planned to send an investigator to document the wreckage, which will be relocated for detailed examination.
The devastating incident spurred a fire, sending smoke billowing into the sky, visible for many miles. However, the pilot's identity has not been released, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash. When asked by KTVU, an eyewitness, Scott Manley, said, "OK so for some context, I actually saw that aircraft hit the hanger after a bad takeoff due to winds. I ran to it and was the first person there. But there was already too much fire to get near it. Called 911 Only then did I take photos."
The accident's aftermath was intense, with emergency services responding swiftly to the scene. The NTSB has informed that it does not speculate on causes during ongoing investigations and has mentioned that a preliminary report is anticipated within 30 days.
Investigators from the NTSB are tasked with gathering a variety of evidence, including flight track data, air traffic control recordings, aircraft maintenance records, conditions at the time of the accident, and details regarding the pilot. Statements from witnesses and any available video recordings from cell phones or surveillance will also be integral to piecing together the accident's timeline. This information, the NTSB said, would contribute significantly to understanding the events leading up to the crash.
