Carterville Plane Crash Investigation

A report just released on a deadly plane crash indicates a problem locating the runway lights may to blame for the fatalities. The transcript between the pilot and the radio control tower indicates the plane that crashed in Carterville may have had location problems. The investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration is on going, but the transcript gives us an idea of what was happening in those final minutes of the flight. We know it was a cloudy night with clouds beginning at 800 feet, which should be high enough to see the run way lights, but that is where the controversy begins. The pilot actually turns on the runway lights. By tuning in to a special radio frequency when getting close to the airport. But according to the transcript, the pilot either couldn`t turn the lights on or couldn`t find the airport. Joplin Airport Manager Steve Stockam says the lights were working properly that night. In fact, two commercial jets landed safely earlier in the night. Keep in mind this is not a final report and the investigation continues about what may have been the problem that night. We`ll keep you updated on the findings of the NTSB investigation.