Fatal crash involving ferry flight at Detroit-Wayne County Airport

3 fatalities • Detroit-Metropolitan-Wayne County, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A ferry flight departing from Detroit-Wayne County Airport crashed into a fuel storage tank shortly after takeoff, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

During a ferry flight scheduled to travel to Lexington, an aircraft entered its initial climb phase immediately following departure from runway 03R at Detroit-Wayne County Airport. Shortly after leaving the ground, the plane lost control and struck a fuel storage tank located near the airfield. The subsequent impact triggered a large explosion.

There were two fatalities among the flight crew, as both pilots perished in the accident. The crash also resulted in one fatality on the ground.

Findings

Following an investigation into the crash, official authorities stated that the exact cause of the accident could not be determined.

Probable cause

The specific reason for the aircraft's impact with the fuel tank remains undetermined by investigators.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-12-15 Learjet 23 accident near Detroit-Metropolitan-Wayne County, United States of America?

A ferry flight departing from Detroit-Wayne County Airport crashed into a fuel storage tank shortly after takeoff, resulting in three fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-12-15 Learjet 23 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-12-15 involved a Learjet 23, registration N20M, operated by Zantop International Airlines, at Detroit-Metropolitan-Wayne County, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The specific reason for the aircraft's impact with the fuel tank remains undetermined by investigators.

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