Three men from northern California died Thursday morning when their Cessna T210L crashed into a field near Fresno. A witness said he heard an “explosion” and saw debris raining down from the sky at the time of the crash. Other witnesses reported sounds like backfiring and sputtering from the engine. The FAA told The Press Democrat of Santa Rosa that one wing was found some distance from the main wreckage, but investigators have not yet determined if there was an in-flight breakup of the aircraft. The three men — Tom Hobart, of Healdsburg; Kieran Burke, of Geyserville; and Karl Esposti, of Windsor, the pilot and owner of the airplane — were flying to Scottsdale, Ariz., to meet some friends for a golf holiday.
In-Flight Breakup Investigated In Cessna Crash
Key Takeaways:
- Three men died when their Cessna T210L crashed near Fresno, California, while en route to Scottsdale, Arizona, for a golf holiday.
- Witnesses reported an "explosion," debris, and engine sounds like backfiring and sputtering before the crash.
- One wing was found separated from the main wreckage, prompting investigators to consider a possible in-flight breakup of the aircraft.
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