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Sam Penrod Reporting
Two men were killed this afternoon after the experimental jet they were piloting crashed in Spanish Fork
Both of pilots had recently moved to Utah to work on the Spectrum 33, a new lightweight jet that was being advertised as the next generation of low cost executive travel. Tonight the company is devastated at the loss of its directors of flight operations.
From Chopper Five, you could see the wreckage of the small twin engine passenger, which crashed on take-off and traveled hundreds off feet off the runway into a farmer's field.
Lt. Carl Johnston, Spanish Fork Police Dept: "The plane was taking off, it rolled to the right, the right wingtip clipped the ground, and then it began a spin after that on the ground and crashed."
The plane did not catch fire and the victims died from the impact. Glenn Maben and Nathan Forrest are both said to have been very experienced pilots and were leading the experimental flights on the Spectrum 33, trying to get it approved for flight by the FAA within the next year.
Scott Wood, Company Spokesman: "We are deeply saddened by this loss and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the pilot and copilot."
Rocky Mountain Composites is located in Spanish Fork and is the company that will build the planes. Made of a unique graphite epoxy, the plane is designed to use less fuel and travel at high altitudes. Now the project is on hold while the cause of the crash is investigated.
Scott Wood, Company Spokesman:"We've activated our accident response team and are working with investigative authorities to determine the cause of the accident."
The company lowered its flags tonight out of respect for the victims. The crash is being investigated by the FAA.
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