Plane Crashes in Montana

Last week, a private plane crashed in Montana.  The plane was carrying a group of adults and children from California to a ski resort in Montana.  The plane attempted a landing in Butte, but was unsuccessful.  All on board were killed in the crash.  The plane took off from Oroville at approximately 11 a.m. Pacific Time for the 700 mile flight to Bozeman Montana.  With an estimated 14 to 17 people on board, the pilot canceled the flight plan and headed toward Butte instead.  The plane crash landed about 500 feet west of the Bert Mooney Airport at 3:26 p.m. Mountain Time.  It is not clear exactly what prompted the change in flight plan or the eventual crash.  While the plane was equipped to seat 12, F.A.A. spokesperson Les Dorr said that at least 14 people were on board.  It is still unclear whether that over-capacity contributed to the crash.