NTSB begins investigation of fatal Boone County plane crash | Mid-Missouri News [Video]

BOONE COUNTY — An investigation is underway after a single-engine Piper PA-46 plane crashed Tuesday in southern Boone County, resulting in the death of the pilot. 

The Federal Aviation Administration’s incident notice Wednesday said the aircraft crashed into trees under unknown circumstances. It described the damage as “substantial.” 

Boone County Sheriff’s Capt. Brian Leer identified the pilot as Wade Bates, 58, of West Fork, Arkansas. Bates’ commercial pilot license was issued in September 2020, according to FAA records.

An investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrived on scene of the crash Wednesday morning, Leer said.

NTSB spokesperson Keith Holloway said their investigation will focus on three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. The investigator will also gather information regarding air traffic control communications, radar data and weather reports. 

The NTSB is responsible for researching the 72-hour background of the pilot, witness …