Overview
- The twin-engine Aero Commander 500B went down around 3:40 a.m. shortly after takeoff, coming to rest short of a runway at Spirit of St. Louis Airport.
- St. Louis County Police identified the sole occupant as 65-year-old pilot Edward Ruhbeck, who died at the scene.
- An FAA preliminary report describes the circumstances as unknown and notes a post-impact fire.
- Records show a filed flight plan to New Century AirCenter in Gardner, Kansas, and officials reported no other occupants.
- Local video and a witness said the aircraft lost altitude and attempted to turn back, and outlets reported the control tower was closed with the wreckage found hours later.