On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, a single-engine plane crash in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma metro area resulted in the death of all four passengers onboard. The unfortunate event occurred around the 13000 block of N Sara Road, near Sundance Airport, at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time, as reported by law enforcement officials.
The downed aircraft was identified as a Beechcraft F33A Bonanza. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed in a preliminary report that the plane’s left wing hit a hay bale during takeoff. This contact caused the aircraft to veer off the runway, traverse through a field and fence, and finally, crash into a nearby wooded area.
Upon reaching the crash site, the Oklahoma City Fire Department personnel encountered smoke and flames. Capt. Scott Douglas of the Oklahoma City Fire Department revealed that the plane had crashed into the trees, leading to active fires that were promptly put out by the firefighters.
Eyewitnesses recounted seeing a cloud of smoke from the crash site as emergency response teams approached. The incident has left a significant impact on the local community.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) spokesperson, Keith Holloway, informed that investigators are set to examine the wreckage. He added that it is still in the early stages of the investigation, and the aircraft will be relocated to a secure facility for further scrutiny.
Residents living in the vicinity of Sundance Airport reported hearing helicopters and seeing thick smoke. A witness recounted seeing a large column of black smoke emanating from the crash site while returning home from a local store.
Another local expressed her shock and grief over the tragic incident, extending her deepest sympathies to the victims.
The emergency response teams worked tirelessly to manage the situation and put out the fires. In the meantime, operations at Sundance Airport were temporarily halted as the responders controlled the situation.
The four passengers who died have all been identified. They are the pilot, 68-year-old Michael Kaswan, Daniel Swinehart, a 37-year-old veteran, and his two young sons, Landin (13) and Hudson (10). Daniel’s wife, Victoria Swinehart, was not on the plane. The family is deeply mourned by their community, particularly the Quail Springs Baptist Church, where they were members.
