Power loss may have contributed to second plane crash into home

By Mary Manning

Friday, Sept. 5, 2008 | 1:25 p.m.

As the National Transportation Safety Board continues its investigation into two airplane crashes within six days, a preliminary report released today says a loss of engine power may have contributed to the second disaster.

The Piper Navajo Chieftain had taken off from North Las Vegas Airport shortly after 2:30 p.m. Aug. 29, the preliminary report said.

The pilot, William Leahy, Jr., of Redlands, Calif., was flying to Palo Alto, Calif., but turned around shortly after takeoff, the report said. He reported a loss of power as he tried to return to the airport, but crashed into a home on North Jones Boulevard near Cheyenne Avenue after hitting a tree, three power lines and then into the house, the report said.

All five people inside the home survived the crash after they ran from the house.

It could take six months to a year before the investigation is completed.

On Aug. 22 an experimental aircraft with a 76-year-old pilot with 40 years of experience crashed into a home on Langdon Way after taking off from North Las Vegas Airport. The crash killed the pilot, Mack Creekmore Murphree Jr., of Dayton, Nev., and two people in the house, 80-year-old Jack Costa and 76-year-old Lucy Costa.

The preliminary report issued by the NTSB in the first crash said that the four-seat, rear propeller Velocity 137 RG took off about 6:28 a.m. Moments later the aircraft crashed through the roof of the home.

The flight of the Velocity was the first from North Las Vegas Airport and the first time a supercharger attached to the engine to boost power had been used.

The NTSB is continuing to investigate the cause of this crash and results could take from six months to a year.