This archive report was first published on 1 December 2019.
On December 1, 2019, a devastating plane crash occurred in South Dakota, claiming the lives of nine people, including two children, and injuring three others.
The Pilatus PC-12, a single-engine turboprop plane, crashed shortly after take-off approximately a mile from the Chamberlain airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Among the deceased was the plane's pilot, as confirmed by Brule County state's attorney Theresa Maule Rossow. A total of 12 people had been on board the ill-fated flight.
The three survivors were taken to the hospital in Sioux Falls, as reported by US media.
The flight departed from the Chamberlain airport just before noon local time, with a destination of Idaho Falls Regional Airport in the western state of Idaho.
Investigations into the crash are being led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), with the FAA confirming that investigators were en route to the crash site.
South Dakota was experiencing severe winter conditions at the time of the crash, with a winter storm warning in effect in Brule County until midday Sunday.
The National Weather Service warned of blowing snow that could significantly reduce visibility.
Theresa Maule Rossow praised the heroic actions of law enforcement, first responders, and medical professionals in rescuing the victims in extreme weather conditions.
