The plane crash that claimed the lives of North Dakota Senator Doug Larsen, his wife, and their two children was attributed to the senator's disorientation during nighttime takeoff. Investigators revealed that Mr. Larsen did not activate pilot-controlled runway lights nor maintained the airplane's landing light, resulting in a loss of visibility. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff from Canyonlands Regional Airport, leading to the plane crashing into two hills. Circumstantial evidence suggests poor visibility due to the lack of ambient light, compounded by the full moon not having risen at the time.
The National Transportation Safety Board's report suggests that Senator Doug Larsen became disoriented after taking off without using runway lights, leading to the tragic accident.
Witnesses reported that Larsen's plane executed a steep and descending right turn shortly after takeoff, before colliding with two hills in total darkness.
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