NTSB says ‘quick flight’ turned deadly when plane hit powerlines over Platte River

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The plane that crashed into the Platte River last month hit powerlines moments before it plunged into the water, according to a new report.

On Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board published its preliminary report on the crash south of Fremont that killed all three people onboard.

The NTSB said the plane, a Cessna 180, arrived at the Fremont Municipal Airport on the night of April 18 from Moundridge, Kansas.

SEE ALSO: Plane hit powerline before crashing into Platte River near Fremont, NTSB says

Two friends came to pick up the pilot, 43-year-old Daniel Williams, and his wife.

The pilot and his friends — Jeff Bittinger, 50, and Randy Amrein, 48 —then decided to “take a quick flight,” according to the report.

But the pilot’s wife did not go, and she told him not to fly along the river because it was getting too dark, the report says.

SEE ALSO: Authorities identify those killed in Platte River plane crash

The plane took off at 8:05 p.m.

The crash happened just six minutes later, according to the NTSB.

A witness saw the plane hit the high-tension powerlines spanning the river.

Part of the tail came off and fell into the river, the NTSB said.

SEE ALSO: Three dead after plane crashes into Platte River near Fremont

At first, the plane seemed to flying fine, according to the witness.

But then it turned and descended suddenly, crashing into the Platte “with a large splash,” the report says.

The bodies of all three men were pulled from the river that night.

The NTSB investigation is ongoing, and the agency said the information provided so far is subject to change.