Errors by Indiana pilot blamed for deadly Illinois crash - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Errors by Indiana pilot blamed for deadly Illinois crash

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Ray Harris Ray Harris
MARION -

Investigators say a plane crash near Chicago that killed a pilot from central Indiana and three passengers was caused by his decision to keep flying in poor weather without being trained for those conditions.

The single-engine plane crashed Nov. 26, 2011, in a field near Crystal Lake, Ill. Pilot Ray Harris of Marion, Ind., died with his daughters Ramie and Shey Harris and their friend 22-year-old Chris Backus of Eau Claire, Wis.

The Chronicle-Tribune reports the National Transportation Board ruled the 46-year-old Harris became disoriented and lost control of the plane. Investigators found no plane malfunctions.

Harris was flying his daughter Ramie back to Wheaton College when he flew into low clouds. The NTSB says instrument flight certification was needed for those conditions, which Harris hadn't received.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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