SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A federal investigator will focus on why a small aircraft was flying so low when it crashed into a wind turbine in South Dakota, killing all four people onboard. Possible factors include trouble with the pilot or plane, and the weather. The Piper crashed Sunday evening 10 miles south of Highmore, killing the pilot, Donald J. “D.J.” Fischer, and three passengers. National Transportation Safety Board investigator Jennifer Rodi says it doesn’t appear the pilot filed a flight plan or was communicating with air traffic controllers, so it’s unclear if he refueled before leaving Hereford, Texas. Fischer, of Gettysburg, owned the plane. Cattlemen Brent Beitelspacher, of Bowdle, and Logan Rau, of Java, were also killed. A funeral home Tuesday identified the fourth victim as 33-year-old Nick Reimann, of Ree Heights.
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