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06/30/2010 07:41 AM

NTSB releases report on 2008 Mount Airy plane crash

By: News 14 Carolina Staff

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MOUNT AIRY, N.C. – The National Transportation Safety Board issued a report on the probably cause of a 2008 plane crash in Mount Airy that killed everyone on board. The plane stalled and crashed while circling after an aborted landing.

The NTSB says the pilot failed to maintain control of the plane during instrument flying conditions and deliberately went below the minimum descent altitude.

Officials say the pilot “displayed non-professional behavior” and that a cockpit voice recording showed that he began singing, “Save my life, I'm going down for the last time” after being cleared for approach.

Toxicology tests revealed that the pilot had the drug Zoloft in his system, and medical records revealed he had been treated for anxiety and depression. The report also said it's not clear whether the medical conditions could account for the behavior or whether they contributed to the accident.

The plane was flying from Virginia to Georgia when it tried to land at the airport during rain and fog.