Retired Maj. Gen. William Bill Anders, renowned for his role as an Apollo 8 astronaut, tragically lost his life in a plane crash near the coast of Jones Island in Washington state. The incident occurred on Friday morning, claiming the life of the 90-year-old veteran.

Pilot Identity Confirmed by Son

Lt. Col. Greg Anders, the son of the deceased astronaut, confirmed to KOMO news that his father was piloting the vintage Beechcraft T-34 Mentor when it crashed. Regrettably, Maj. Gen. Anders was the sole occupant of the aircraft at the time of the accident.

Notable Contributions to Space Exploration

Maj. Gen. Anders played a pivotal role in space exploration history as a member of the Apollo 8 mission. He captured the iconic Earthrise photograph in 1968, showcasing Earth as a shadowed blue marble from the vantage point of space.

Details of the Crash

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office received the first report of the crash around 11:40 a.m. on Friday. According to witnesses, the older model plane was flying from north to south before it crashed near the north end of Jones Island and subsequently sank.

Investigation by NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) swiftly launched an investigation into the incident. They confirmed that the crashed aircraft was a Beechcraft T-34, also known as a Beechcraft A A 45, and it went down approximately 80 feet offshore of Jones Island. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear, prompting the NTSB to initiate a thorough inquiry.

In an emailed statement to KOMO, an NTSB spokesperson stated, Once the aircraft is recovered from the water, it will be transported to an offsite facility for further examination by NTSB investigators.

Response Efforts

Local authorities, including deputies from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, alongside teams from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the NTSB, swiftly responded to the crash site. Their collaborative efforts aim to facilitate the investigation and ensure the appropriate handling of the aftermath.

Call for Witnesses

The NTSB has appealed to any witnesses of the crash or individuals with pertinent information to come forward and assist with the investigation. Those who can contribute are urged to contact investigators at [email protected].

Conclusion: Honoring a Space Pioneer

The tragic loss of Maj. Gen. William Bill Anders, a pioneering figure in space exploration, has deeply impacted the community. As investigations into the crash continue, tributes pour in for his remarkable contributions to human understanding of the cosmos. His legacy as an astronaut and his enduring impact on space exploration will be remembered for generations to come.

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