Aircraft removed from sea for investigation

More information is emerging about the crash of a commuter plane in the sea off Belize City. Specifically, what made it go down and how did the passengers get out? News 5’s Jacqueline Woods reports.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
This morning the Tropic Air Cessna Caravan that went down into the sea soon after its take off from the Municipal Airstrip Wednesday evening, was lifted by crane and gently put down on land where it was carefully dismantled for transport. Flight 2110 was carrying thirteen passengers and the pilot Gerry Proehl when it crashed.

Amado Badillo, Regional Manager, Tropic Air
?In our opinion, yes, it was relatively weather conditions that affected the safe flying of the aircraft.?

Proehl who declined an on camera interviewed is being hailed as one of the heroes of the real life drama. The veteran pilot who has been flying for twenty-five years was trapped in his seat and almost drowned but once freed he immediately turned his attention to his passengers.

Jacqueline Woods
?I understand that the pilot, after he managed to free himself, did a head count and really looked after the passengers, in terms of even diving down back under the water to see that everybody was out of the plane and I understand he even helped in saving a young woman?s life.?

Amado Badillo
?This is what I was told by the pilot himself and also several of the passengers who were actually on the aircraft. They said that yes, the pilot did make several attempts in helping the passengers get out of the fuselage which was submerged.?

It is believed that it was an extremely strong gust of wind coming from a new direction that forced the airplane down. Proehl is reported to have struggled to keep his aircraft airborne.

Amado Badillo
?This is what the pilot did mention to me yes, that that is really what occurred. The weather really overcame the actual airplane?s performance.?

?He is making a written report to the Civil Aviation Department and I am almost certain that he will definitely put everything in writing that he can remember.?

According to regional manager Amado Badillo, since the accident Tropic Air has been assisting the passengers to recover from their injuries and personal losses.

Amado Badillo
?Well, we have stated to the passengers categorically that whatever needs to be done will be done and fully financed by Tropic Air. We are not trying to cut cost. And when it comes to the investigation, that is in the hands of the Civil Aviation Department. So, Tropic Air has nothing to do with the investigative part of the accident.?

The aircraft was valued at one point three million dollars and it was insured by Regent Insurance Company. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.