Preliminary report on fatal Tulsa plane crash released
By Shannon Muchmore, Staff Writer
Tulsa World
9/9/2009

The plane crash Saturday that killed five Tulsans was caused when the
aircraft hit a guy wire supporting a 600-foot radio tower in Chandler Park,
according to a preliminary report released Wednesday from the National
Transportation Safety Board.

The crash killed Dr. Stephen Lester, his wife, Dana, their daughters Laura
and Christina, and another doctor, Ken Veteto. They were on their way to
Dallas for the University of Oklahoma football gamed that evening.

The pilot, Stephen Lester, has had a private pilot's license since 1987 but
was not instrument certified, said Bill Gamble, who investigated the crash
for the NTSB.

Lester had all the certification necessary to fly his plane, a Piper
PA-32R-300 that could seat six people, he said.

Gamble said he will examine the plane's engine Friday as he continues his
investigation.

"There's a lot yet to do and a lot of stones to turn over," he said.

The tower in the center of Chandler Park is not owned by Tulsa County.
Global Tower Partners obtained ownership from Chandler Materials, which
donated the park land, said Richard Bales, Tulsa County parks director.

A Global Tower spokesman declined to comment on the plane crash.

Bales said the company was notified of the accident and crews repaired the
damaged wire Saturday afternoon.

The plane was destroyed from the impact of the crash and a subsequent fire.
The main wreckage was 1,575 feet west of the tower, according to the NTSB.