Preliminary Investigation into Fatal Clutier Crash Complete

By Christy Aumer, Reporter

Debris from a plane crash west of Clutier, Iowa, on Wednesday, November 28, 2012. (Brian Ray/KCRG-The Gazette)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Dec 7, 2012 at 2:48 PM CDT

Story Updated: Dec 7, 2012 at 6:43 PM CDT

CLUTIER, Iowa - The National Transportation Safety Board has completed its preliminary report of a fatal plane crash from late November.

According to the report, the plane struck power lines on approach to an unimproved airstrip in Clutier near R Avenue and 245th Street on November 28 around 11 a.m. The pilot, William Konicek, 69 of Traer was the pilot and owner of the Taylorcraft BC12-D and was fatally injured due to the crash. The other occupant, Max Morrison, 63 of Traer was transported to the burn unit at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for his injuries. His condition is unknown at this time.

The local flight originated from the Traer (K8C6) Municipal Airport at an undetermined time. Preliminary information from the Tama County Sheriff's office indicated the plane was on approach to an unimproved airstrip near the crash site, and the pilot had flown into this airstrip before, but not recently.

At one time, the field was used as an airstrip and power lines were buried, but the power lines were recently erected. The report said it was not known if the pilot was aware of the erection of the power lines.

The report also said there was no flight plan filed, and the plane was substantially damaged.

According to a Facebook page titled "Max Morrison Support," the page lists a Max Morrison Benefit Account at Farmers Savings Bank and Trust in Traer where donations are being accepted to assist with medical bills.