Dale Earnhardt Jr. and a pilot struggled to open a crashed planes wing emergency situation exit as the airplane began to fill and burn with smoke before the retired race cars and truck driver and his household handled to escape from the main door, according to new information about the 2019 mishap released by the National Transportation and Safety Board.
In an initial report, NTSB investigators have said part of the landing equipment collapsed and an area of the extreme right hit the runway as the airplane bounced twice prior to touching down a 3rd time with about 1,000 feet of paved surface remaining.
Pope said the initial goal was “quite hard” and the plane came off the runway. The flight crew reported that thrust reversers, which assist an aircraft slow down throughout landing, were applied after the first goal.
The airplane went through a chain-link fence prior to coming to rest on the edge of Tennessee Highway 91.
Pilot Richard Pope told the NTSB that he was bring extra speed on the approach to the runway since the aircraft “slows down so easy,” according to a summary of the pilots statements to the NTSB.
Files released Thursday by the NTSB supply traveler, pilot and witness statements about the Aug. 15, 2019 aircraft crash at an airport in Elizabethton, Tenn
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Earnhardt, a NASCAR television expert and retired driver, was with spouse Amy, 15-month-old daughter Isla, two pilots and the household pet when their Cessna Citation Latitude crashed. The NTSB said three guests suffered small injuries.
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Pilot Jeffrey Melton stated that after thrust was increased, “the power never ever comes,” the NTSB reported.
” As they were trying to get the rear exit door open, heavy smoke was coming from the lavatory,” the report stated. “Mr. Earnhardt reported that he informed Mr. Melton to attempt the main cabin door.” He tried to get up and could not and was asking if his better half and child were out and ok,” Campbell composed. “I ensured him I had actually inspected his partner and child and both were ok. I also told him his pet was okay when he asked.”
Melton then kicked open the primary cabin door large enough so that he could exit.
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” Earnhardt then handed his daughter, who was in his arms, to the pilot, and then they each ejected the opening,” which was approximately the size of a conventional oven, the report said.
” After they tried to increase power, and they did not feel the power come, power was pulled to idle, and the thrust reversers were once again used as the airplane touched down for the 3rd time,” the report said.
Earnhardt and the two pilots were not able to open the fire escape door over the wing after the aircraft concerned a tough stop, the report said.
” As they were trying to get the rear exit door open, heavy smoke was coming from the bathroom,” the report said. “Mr. Earnhardt reported that he informed Mr. Melton to try the primary cabin door. At this time fire was now noticeable in the lavatory.”
Campbell informed investigators that she ran to the aircraft and saw a male who was not wearing a uniform “having a hard time and not walking.” Campbell stated she asked the male his given name but she did not straight determine Earnhardt.
” He tried to get up and might not and was asking if his better half and child were out and ok,” Campbell composed. “I assured him I had examined his partner and child and both were ok. I also told him his canine was ok when he asked.”
A final report from the NTSB has not been launched.
When she saw the back of the aircraft burst into flames after it crash-landed, see Cheryl Campbell informed the NTSB in a written statement that she was driving. In her declaration, Campbell stated she had served in the Air Force and had been a flight attendant for a major airline for 2 decades.
