Thursday, Dec. 23, 1999 | 11:29 a.m.
Vegas man found dead in Utah
A 36-year-old Las Vegas man was found dead on the side of Interstate 15 near Salt Lake City on Wednesday with a knife plunged into his chest.
David Bourke was found about 9:30 a.m. near his pickup truck about 10 miles north of Salt Lake City in Centerville.
Police have not determined if Bourke's death is a homicide or a suicide, Centerville Police Sgt. Von Steenblik said. "There is no indication of road rage and no indication of robbery," he said. "There are no signs of a struggle,"
Apparently Bourke left Las Vegas about 1:20 a.m. Wednesday saying he was going out to get a pack of cigarettes, Steenblik said.
Police also believe he was the only person in the truck. A briefcase, coffee cups and other items were on the passenger seat, Steenblik said.
The investigation into Bourke's death is continuing.
Causes of Predator crash disclosed
Human error, weather conditions and a malfunction all played a part in the April crash of an unmanned spy plane that belonged to the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base.
An RQ-1 Predator aircraft crashed on April 18 near the Tuzla Air Force Base in Bosnia. The plane was returning from a reconnaissance mission over Kosovo in support of Operation Allied Force when it crashed into a wooded area four miles south of the base, an Air Force spokesman said.
A report by the Air Force's Accidental Investigation Board released Wednesday shows that the Predator experienced a fuel problem as it was preparing to land, forcing the two remote pilots on the ground to execute emergency procedures.
The report said the pilots focused too much on the icy weather conditions and not on emergency procedures.
The Predator is equipped with three electro-optical cameras with zoom lenses, and can stay in the air longer than 24 hours at altitudes of up to 25,000 feet.
Nellis pilot's actions faulted
Officials investigating the June 19 midair collision of two F-15 aircraft near Nellis Air Force Base have determined the accident occurred when one of the pilots lost track of the other's position during a training exercise.
The pilots, Maj. Bruce Till and Capt. William Cooley, ejected from their aircraft and suffered minor injuries. The two aircraft were destroyed after they hit the ground about 19 miles north of Rachel. Both pilots were from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron based at Nellis Air Force Base.
According to the Accident Investigation Report released Wednesday, Cooley failed to clear his flight path before entering into an engagement where Till, his wingman, was.
The two aircraft were flying an offensive counter-air mission during a Y2K readiness exercise at Nellis. Investigators determined the Y2K testing was not a factor.
Fire may have been deliberately set
Las Vegas Fire Department investigators believe that a fire that damaged a townhouse Tuesday night may have been set intentionally to conceal a robbery.
The fire caused $15,000 in damage to a townhouse at 4235 Brockton Green Court. After it was out, the owner went inside and discovered several possessions missing.
Video tapes, a VCR and jewelry were among the reported missing items, department spokesman Tim Szymanski said.
Investigators believe the fire was started in the kitchen, and Metro Police and fire department officials are still looking into the case.
Goodwill donations accepted
The Clark County Fire Department has opened its doors from Dec. 26 through Dec. 31 to accept end-of-year tax donations for Goodwill of Southern Nevada Inc.
Each neighborhood firehouse will accept donations of gently used clothing and other household items and issue a tax-deductible receipt and a handout explaining suggested price ranges for items donated in good condition.
For more information, call 597-1107.
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