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KC company's plane crashed on the way to Johnson County, killing 65-year-old pilot
The pilot attempted an emergency return after engine trouble minutes post-takeoff; the twin-engine Aero Commander 500-B crashed and caught fire, killing the sole occupant, officials said.
- On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, pilot Edward Ruhbeck, 65, died when his twin-engine Aero Commander 500-B crashed at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Missouri, while attempting an emergency return.
- Mechanical trouble shortly after takeoff forced the Aero Commander 500-B, owned by Central Air Southwest, to attempt an emergency return before it ultimately crashed and caught fire.
- Witness Diana Krazer observed the plane's erratic flight path, noting Ruhbeck appeared to navigate away from homes to avoid further casualties during his distress.
- Deputy Director Dave Schubert commended the pilot's actions, stating he "did an excellent job landing where he landed," as the airport's largest runway remains closed.
- Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board investigators are examining the crash site to determine the cause of the mechanical failure and resulting fire.
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A small plane crashed in Missouri. The pilot was killed in the plane crash, and authorities are investigating the circumstances of the tragedy.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
C 75%
R 17%
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