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KC company's plane crashed on the way to Johnson County, killing 65-year-old pilot
The pilot attempted an emergency return after takeoff; the twin-engine Aero Commander 500-B burned on impact with no other occupants, officials said.
- On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, a twin-engine plane operated by Central Airlines crashed at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, killing pilot Edward Ruhbeck, 65.
- The Aero Commander 500B, headed toward Kansas City, encountered mechanical trouble shortly after takeoff, forcing Ruhbeck to attempt an emergency return to the airport.
- Witness Diana Krazer observed the plane's distress, while Airport Deputy Director Dave Schubert credited Ruhbeck for doing "an excellent job landing where he landed with no further loss of life or property."
- Authorities confirmed the crash occurred around 3 a.m. Tuesday, with the pilot as the only fatality and no other passengers aboard the cargo flight.
- The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash, with the airport's largest runway remaining closed until the process concludes.
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A small plane crashed in Missouri. The pilot was killed in the plane crash, and authorities are investigating the circumstances of the tragedy.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
C 75%
R 17%
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