No one on the ground was hurt, but there were no survivors from the crash, which occurred in a marshy area about two miles southwest of the town.
The cause of the uncontrolled flight and crash, after the Learjet apparently ran out of fuel, is unknown. Aviation experts speculate that the plane may have lost pressurization and the emergency backup systems failed, keeping it in the air on autopilot. Loss of pressurization above 30,000 feet can cause occupants to lose consciousness due to oxygen deficiency within one to two minutes.
During its eerie, almost four-hour journey from Orlando to South Dakota, Air Force and Air National Guard jet fighters shadowed the Learjet. Pilots reported frosted windows, indicating loss of pressurization. The aircraft meandered between 22,000 and 51,000 feet but maintained a northwest heading. The military did not consider shooting it down, as the FAA said it was headed towards a sparsely populated area.
The FAA reported that the plane, piloted by two-time U.S. Open champion Payne Stewart, left Orlando at 9:19 a.m. Eastern time, bound for Dallas. The plane lost radio contact with air traffic controllers at 9:44 a.m., shortly after being cleared to climb to 39,000 feet. The FAA noted significant changes in altitude, but the crew did not respond to radio calls.
The military began its pursuit at 10:08 a.m. when two Air Force F-16 fighters from Tyndall Air Force Base were asked to intercept the plane. They did not reach it, but an Air Force F-15 from Eglin Air Force Base got within sight and followed it from 11:09 a.m. to 11:44 a.m. before needing to refuel. Four Air National Guard F-16s from Tulsa attempted to catch the Learjet but got only within 100 miles. At 12:54 p.m., two F-16s from Fargo, N.D., intercepted the Learjet, noting frosted windows and no visible flight control movement. At 1:14 p.m., the Learjet began to spiral towards the ground.
The Learjet 35 is equipped with pressurization and emergency oxygen masks. Tom Baum, a Learjet pilot instructor, explained that a cockpit panel light signals pressurization issues, activating a backup system. Pilots are required to wear oxygen masks around their necks.
In Aberdeen, South Dakota Highway Patrol Sgt. Scott Wherry observed the jet flying erratically before it nose-dived. Terry Jundt, who found the wreckage, noted the difficulty of locating anything identifiable.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board arrived after dark to begin a full investigation on Tuesday.
Bill Curry, a spokesman for Stewart’s family, confirmed that the victims included Stewart, two pilots (Michael King and Stephanie Bellegarrigue), and Stewart’s agents, Robert Fraley and Van Ardan. A sixth person, possibly a golf course designer, might have been on board.
The Learjet was operated by Sunjet Aviation Inc., of Sanford, Fla., and had logged over 10,000 flying hours since 1976.
Payne Stewart, 42, a prominent golfer known for his colorful attire, won 18 tournaments, including three major championships, and earned $11.7 million during his career. He had recently credited his improved play and attitude to a newfound faith.
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem expressed shock and sadness over Stewart’s death, calling it a tremendous loss for the golfing community. Other golfers, including Tiger Woods, shared their sorrow and disbelief.
Stewart is survived by his wife, Tracey Ferguson, and their children, Chelsea and Aaron.
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