The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released its preliminary report on a plane crash that occurred near Battle Ground, WA on September 26. The crash, which resulted in one death, did not have a specific cause determined, and remains under investigation. A full report is expected to be out some time within the next few months.

Plane Crash Kills Pilot of Small Plane in Battle Ground, WA

On September 26, a single-engine Cessna Skyhawk was flying out of the Southwest Washington Regional Airport in Kelso, WA, traveling in the vicinity of Battle Ground. However, as it attempted to land, it suddenly veered off course and crashed into the trees west of the runway. The pilot, identified as 76-year old Kenneth H. Shaffer, was the only person on board the plane, and died in the accident.

The Findings of the Report

The preliminary report failed to pinpoint a specific cause of the accident, and had no explanation for why the plane seemed to lose control on landing. First responders on the site found that the plane had caught fire, and were able to successfully put it out. However, it is unclear whether the fire has anything to do with why the plane may have gone out of control.

Possible Causes of the Crash

At this time, there is no one specific cause identified as the reason for the accident, but there are a few possibilities that are potentially likely. First, there may have been some kind of mechanical failure which caused the pilot to lose control of the plane, such as a defective or malfunctioning part. Additionally, there is a chance the pilot may have made a serious error while flying, or he may have suffered some kind of health issue that made him unable to pilot the plane.

What Happens Now

An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and is unlikely to conclude for several months. In the meantime, the plane will be examined for possible defects or mechanical problems that might have caused the accident, including the possibility that something went awry while the pilot was operating the plane. Once this is concluded, a full report will be issued, which will hopefully provide a suitable explanation for what occurred in this case.