Flightaware , FAA Preliminary Report .
TULSA, Okla. – A twin-engine cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Tulsa International Airport, killing the pilot, police said.
The pilot was apparently the only person on board when the aircraft went down north of the airport about 10:45 p.m. Wednesday.
His name was not immediately released.
The light-cargo plane was flying to Wiley Post Airport in Oklahoma City when the pilot reported engine problems, according to Tulsa Police officer Jason Willingham.
Authorities began searching after air traffic controllers reported the plane made two 360-degree turns, then disappeared from radar, Willingham said.
Searchers found the plane’s tail section about 11:30 p.m. and located the fuselage in a debris field about 12:30 a.m. Thursday.
Light snow and drizzle fell in the area during the night and police said the conditions made it difficult to track down the wreckage, forcing searchers to look for the wreckage on foot.
“Obviously, the weather was to the point where our helicopter couldn’t get out and fly over the area to help assist in the search. It was basically a ground search, and officers were out and eventually located the aircraft,” said Willingham.
National Transportation Safety Board investigators were expected to arrive Thursday.
Photo N712AT from Airliners.net , Central Airlines large fleet of Commanders FAA Registry.