William Anders, 90, perished in a plane crash near Orcas Island, Washington. The accident occurred on June 7, 2024, during a flyby near a friend’s home.
Anders piloted a vintage Beech A45 aircraft. He was best known for taking the iconic “Earthrise” photograph during the Apollo 8 mission.
NTSB Releases Preliminary Crash Investigation Report
The National Transportation Safety Board issued its preliminary report on Tuesday. Investigators gathered information from two eyewitnesses.
The report details Anders’ flight path and the moments leading to the crash. It confirms Anders texted a friend about his flyby plans.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Plane’s Final Moments
Two witnesses observed Anders’ plane before it crashed. One witness, a friend of Anders, reported hearing and seeing the plane fly by.
Another witness captured video footage of the plane’s descent. Both accounts describe the aircraft’s sudden plunge into the water.
Routine Flyby Turns Tragic for Veteran Pilot
Anders frequently performed flybys near his friend’s house. The friend stated these flybys typically involved two passes.
Anders never performed aerobatic maneuvers during these flybys. The fatal flight deviated from his usual pattern.
Crash Site Located Near San Juan Islands
The plane sank near the north end of Jones Island. Jones Island is located off the western shore of Orcas Island.
The crash occurred in the waters of San Juan County. Local authorities recovered Anders’ body the same afternoon.
Wreckage Recovery Efforts Aid Ongoing Investigation
Most of the plane wreckage was recovered within a week. Investigators have stored the recovered parts for further examination.
The NTSB will continue to analyze the wreckage. This analysis may provide crucial insights into the crash’s cause.
“Earthrise” Photographer Leaves Lasting Environmental Legacy
Anders took the first color photograph of Earth from space. The “Earthrise” image is credited with sparking the global environmental movement.
It changed how humans viewed the planet Earth. Anders considered this his most significant contribution to the space program.
Anders’ Space Career Included Notable Achievements
William Anders served as an Apollo 8 astronaut. He played a crucial role in ensuring the mission’s command and service modules functioned properly.
Anders retired as a major general. His career spanned both military and civilian aviation.
Family Expresses Grief Over Unexpected Loss
Anders’ son, Greg Anders, shared the family’s devastation. He described his father as a great pilot.
The family will miss William Anders terribly. Greg Anders is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.
Aviation Safety Statistics Highlight Risks
According to the NTSB, general aviation accidents account for the majority of civil aviation fatalities. In 2019, there were 1,220 general aviation accidents, resulting in 414 fatalities.
Pilot-related issues were cited as the probable cause in 75% of fatal general aviation accidents.
