CLARINDA, Iowa — A plane crash Sunday afternoon in a farm field south of Clarinda claimed the life of a community business leader.
Jac Crain, 53, of Clarinda died at the scene. He was piloting a BD-4 single-engine experimental aircraft owned by Crain Construction of Clarinda.
Hunter Crawford, 12, was outside his home, approximately a half-mile from the crash scene, when he saw the aircraft heading in a southwestern direction at an altitude of about 200 to 300 feet.
He told authorities that the plane appeared to be turning back to Clarinda Municipal Airport when the crash occurred. The debris field left behind was less than 200 yards from the farm home.
According to Federal Aviation Administration records, Crain's aircraft was built in 2003 and was certified for airworthiness in 2005.
The aircraft was an “amateur-build kit” with a Lycoming engine capable of speeds of up to 190 mph.
The BD-4 has been marketed for general aviation use since 1968, despite its experimental designation, and has a high safety rating, according to National Transportation Safety Board records.
Page County Sheriff Lyle Palmer said Crain was the plane's only occupant.
The Sheriff's Office said it received a 911 call shortly after 1:30 p.m. Hunter said crews were on the scene quickly.
He said there was smoke but no fire after the crash.
Palmer said Sunday that the FAA was still investigating the cause of the crash.
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