(-- The Beacon)
By Laura Frazier Living Editor frazier13@up.edu
A preliminary report issued Nov. 9 by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed new details about the Oct. 25 midair collision that killed Assistant Director of Public Safety Steve Watson.
However, the report did not assign blame or report a cause of the collision.
The report confirmed that the Piper PA 40 was piloted by a certified flight instructor (CIF) and a private pilot receiving instruction. Watson was piloting the Beech V35.
Travis Thompson, 31, of Beaverton was identified as the CIF during the flight. Thompson was instructing Henrik Murer Kalberg, 23, a student from Holmestrand, Norway.
The report was based on Thompson's account of the collision. Kalberg's account was not included.
According to Thomson, they had been practicing standard maneuvers, such as slow flight and stalls, prior to the crash.
Thompson then instructed Kalberg how to execute a simulated emergency descent, which he completed and leveled off at 4,500 feet.
Thompson saw Watson's plane on a "convergence course" toward his location. He said it was flying at a "slightly steeper than average descent."
Kalberg was instructed to turn left and descend to avoid the oncoming plane.
Thompson saw the plane above and behind his position, and then felt a jolt and shudder. Thompson immediately took control of the plane. He initially thought they had struck geese.
Thompson and Kalberg safely landed in a field about 1.5 miles west of Champoeg State Park.
Watson's plane crashed .3 miles north of the park.
According to Joshua Cawthra, NTSB investigator, a final report on the accident could take six months to a year.
