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PROVO, Utah (AP) -- A weather observation system at Provo Airport that's used to collect data about weather conditions in Utah Valley was working when a plane crashed into Utah Lake, although the system had broken down twice recently, officials said.
The automated weather observation system, maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration, was working on June 8 when pilot Blaine Pugmire, 31, of Springville tried to land at the Provo Airport, said airport manager Steve Gleason. The single-engine turboprop plane crashed, killing Pugmire, Harold "Les" McGuire, 35, of Highland and Ray Hooper, 35, of Mapleton.
The National Weather Service had reports, which originated from the airport observation system, of wind, thunderstorms, and 9-mile visibility.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
The weather observation system transmits the collected weather data over a satellite signal for pilots to use. If it is broken, a message is sent out to pilots notifying them that it is down.
The system had broken in May but was fixed June 1. It also was reported broken June 10 and fixed Wednesday.
"I wouldn't say it's not a concern, of course it's a concern," said FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer.
The Provo Airport has about 170,000 takeoffs and landings a year.
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Information from: The Daily Herald, http://www.heraldextra.com
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
