MIDLAND, Texas (Oct 3, 2004) – A Commemorative Air Force (CAF) operated World War II Lockheed twin engine C-60 Lodestar, N6371C, lost directional control and impacted the ground immediately after take-off at 4:24 p.m. (CDST), Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004, at Midland International Airport. The airplane caught fire but it was immediately contained by Station 7 Midland Fire Department.

Five occupants were onboard. Four of the occupants sustained no injuries and one was treated for minor abrasions at the scene. The pilot of the airplane was Stan Peterson, 61, of Boulder, Colo. Also aboard the aircraft were Thomas W. Howe, 63, of Hotchkiss, Colo., Stanely L. Hanson, 57, of Aurora, Colo., Quentin D. Huston, 62, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Paul A. La Prad, 66, of Aurora, Colo. All are members of the CAF.

The airplane was departing from Midland International Airport en route to Boulder, Colorado, where it is operated by the Mile High Wing of the CAF. The accident occurred after the Fina-CAF AIRSHO 2004 had concluded. The airplane flew during the Fina-CAF AIRSHO on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, but did not fly Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004.

The tail section and engines of the airplane sustained major damage. The accident site has been secured pending investigation by the FAA. Flights at the Midland International Airport were suspended for a short period of time following the accident, however, normal airport operations were resumed.

The C-60 Lodestar was the last twin-engine transport designed by Lockheed. It was used for transport of both paratroopers and personnel. This particular C-60 was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces on Oct. 6, 1943, and reassigned to the Royal Canadian Air Force where it was used as an executive transport. The airplane was donated to the CAF in 1961.

The CAF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to flying and restoring World War II aircraft. Based in Midland, Texas, the organization has over 9,500 members and operates a fleet of over 150 World War II aircraft.

For more information please contact Tina Corbett at. (432) 563-1000, ext. 2231.

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