BELLEPLAIN—The cause of the plane crash that killed Atlantic City police officer, Dennis McGurk and his wife on June 20, 2008, is still under investigation according to the State Department of Transportation and National Transportation safety board.
According to the FAA and the airplane kit manufacturer, the amateur-built F1 Rocket airplane received its experimental airworthiness certificate on September 20, 2007. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accrued approximately 190 total hours of operation.
According to FAA records, McGurk held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land. He reported 500 total hours of flight experience on his most recent application for a FAA third-class medical certificate, dated December 28, 2006
A preliminary report revealed both occupants were wearing parachutes onboard the aircraft.
Examination of the engine revealed that it had been modified from its original design. No evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunction was discovered, and no evidence of in-flight structural failure or in-flight fire was discovered. The airplane came to rest inverted, on a 090-degree magnetic heading, and a post crash fire had occurred, according to the report.
The accident remains under investigation by Investigator Todd G. Gunther.
A final report is expected to be released in late June of 2009.
Contact Scheeler at 609-404-6515 or hscheeler@cmcherald.com
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