WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- An Aero Vodochody L-39C Albatros jet, which departed from Watertown Airport, crashed near Granite Falls Municipal Airport (KGDB) Monday, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury.
The aircraft, registered as N339L, experienced engine issues before striking power lines and impacting terrain while on approach to Granite Falls Municipal Airport at approximately 5:28 p.m. local time. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, while a passenger on board suffered serious injuries.
The flight originated from Watertown Airport (ATY/KATY) in South Dakota and was initially bound for Fond du Lac County Airport (FLD/KFLD) in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Approximately 12 minutes into its flight, the L-39C reached an altitude of 20,600 feet before beginning its descent towards Granite Falls. The aircraft was observed performing an orbit over the airport before disappearing from radar.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the accident.
KXLG News has reached out to the Watertown Regional Airport Manager for any additional information, and the manager confirmed it had indeed left from Watertown’s airport.
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