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Deaths of 10 stun Cedar City

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Doc and former pilot | 9:54 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Canyonlands Field has an elevation of 4500 feet. I checked the weather observations for Moab at 6:00 pm Friday. Density altitude calculates to 8700 ft at the time of takeoff. With every seat occupied by an adult and the reported full fuel on board I would bet that the airplane was significantly overloaded. Aft CG limit may well have been exceeded as well.
I was taking flying lessons at Arapahoe County (Now Centennial) Airport in Colorado a number of years ago when another King Air pancaked in after taking off from the field. The NTSB calculated that the plane was 700 lbs over gross weight limit & CG outside of aft limits.
The King Air is a very good airplane - probably the best corporate turboprop you can buy. However, like any airplane, it can kill you if you try to make it perform beyond what it was designed to do.
Cleetorn | 10:11 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I have done many take-offs/landings at the Moab airport and consider it to be one of the better reliever airports. The facilites are quite good and the staff is always very friendly. John has no idea what he's talking about and is only taking a knee-jerk reaction to his own foolish perception of small airports. GA is by far and away the largest part of aviation. To simply "close all these small, unsafe third world airports" by people who have no concept of the benefit a region recieves from them would be a huge disservice to the flying community and those they serve.
Matthew Johnson | 10:40 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I'm having troubles dealing with the loss of Mandy. I wasn't all that close to her, but she always treated me so kindly. (I met her on the Price is Right trip! :) When they call you down it's too loud to hear so they hold up cards with your name. I was really nervous and when the first card said 'Mandy Johnson' I thought it was for me! But I was just as happy to see Mandy up there!)

There are people in this life that are really good at being nice to others. Mandy was one of the best. I only have memories of her smiling and trying to make people around her happy. She's one of the most beautiful girls I've ever met. My prayers are with family, Cedar City and Hurricane.

I find comfort in Alma 40:12 "And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace..." If Mandy is in happy place, I'm sure she will fit in very well, but all of us will still be missing her so much!
Comments continue below
becky | 10:48 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
david goddard was an excellent physician assistant who served people for many years. He was not a medical assistant as stated in the deseret news article.
ATTN: Doc | 11:39 a.m. Aug. 24, 2008
You might bet, but you'd lose.

The King Air was designed for the FAA's "typical" 175-lb passenger, plus 10 percent, plus full fuel load, plus baggage, and those are the numbers you're working from. However, several of the passengers were well under that weight.

This wasn't a tourist flight, with its random passenger load, and it wasn't a transient or first-time visitor who wouldn't know high-country flying. The pilot knew the field, the conditions and the aircraft. We can assume that he had the weight and balance nailed down, and seating of passengers figured to fit the numbers.

I think the finding will be something nasty, like a birdstrike, low-altitude failure of one engine while the plane was still in the coffin corner, inflight fire, or maybe even accidental release of anaesthetics or other chemicals.
Jodi | 12:25 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I was so sorry to here about this tragedy. I didn't know them personally, but my mom knew Dave Goddard. For the short time that he knew her, as a friend, he made her so happy and I will always be eternally grateful that he came into her life and made it so much brighter. He made her see what an exemplary person could be and he became a role model for her also made her see what she wanted out of life. To his family, thank you for letting my mom get to know Dave, and may God bless you in your time of need. And also to all the families may God do the same for you.
kc | 12:49 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Cecilee was a member of my sorority at SUU. She was a beautiful, kind, talented, wonderful women. I was so sad to hear this news and will be praying for her mom and daughter.
pt | 1:08 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Cami was a very kind and wonderful person, she had a great smile and and very kind heart. But most of all she loved her husband Easton and her family. She will be truly missed by everyone that knew her. I am so sorry to the Vigil family I know that this has been the worst three months of your life, I pray for you everyday. Easton your were so loved and she knew how much you loved her. I am so sorry for your loss.
MM | 1:20 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
As an employee of the Leavitt Group, I flew on that particular place on several occasions with David. He was my favorite pilot and I often flew in the co-pilot seat with him. I know for a fact that David did everything in his power to save the lives of Dr. Ellsworth and his staff. David was admired, respected, and loved by those of us who worked with him. My heart goes out to all the victim's families and friends who have been touched by this tragic loss. God bless you in your time of need.
Anonymous | 1:26 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
There have been so many of these small plane crashes in this area of the west in the last couple of months. It's like the Burmuda Triangle in the sky. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have lost friends or family members in these crashes.
maridee | 1:44 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I am Mandy's sister in law. Thank you to all of you for your sweet comments. We all loved Mandy so much. The family has received comfort from your memories. I would ask that we remember that Mandy would not want anyone to be sad or angry or bitter. None of those things had anything to do with how Mandy lived her life. She loved
the people she worked with, her family and her friends.
In reference to comments on the plane, I believe Heavenly Father had a plan for Mandy and I think she fulfilled that plan. Lets not blame innocent people who are already in terrible grief. Mandy would not want that. I want to offer condolences to the other families. My prayers are with you all. I LOVE YOU MANDY THANKS FOR BEING A GREAT BABY SISTER!!!
Tara Messick | 2:15 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I am Mandy's Cousin and I want to say that I wished I could have been with her more. We never lived that close to the family in Hurricane, so my opportunities were slim, but I know that Mandy was a special individual that never did I see her unhappy or had anything bad to say about anyone. The few memories I have of Mandy are the kind of memories that are a reminder of how Christ would have me live.
Uncle Bevin and Aunt Susan, know that my heart aches for you and that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being a great example in raising you children and to my family.
Love you both,
Tara
Daryl Miller | 2:50 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I am Mandy's cousin and she will be greatly missed. She always seemed so happy and was kind to everyone. She did a lot of wonderful things in her short life and she touched many lives including mine. She was an amazing person and I will greatly miss her.
To Uncle Bevin and Aunt Susan, I am so sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers. I love you.

Love,
Daryl
Seth & Alisha Robinson | 3:43 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
We are saddened by all of those who have been affected by this great tradgedy. Keith was a great cousin and a good friend to all who knew him. He loved his wife and son and adored both of them. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Know that you are loved and it really isn't as long as we think it is before we will be reunited with our loved ones again.
Anonymous | 4:16 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Dr. Ellsworth will be sorely missed. He was so down to earth and had great concern for the underserved in rural communities. He built a successful practice by trying to do what was best for his patients and also felt a need to create good jobs with insurance for many employees. He was a great professional and would be a wonderful mentor to any young physician with his ideals, professionalism and work ethic. As a fellow dermatologist it is truly amazing waht he did and how he did it. He has affected me in my practice of medicine and will continue to do so. My prayers go out to his family and to all of the families of those who died in this awful tragedy.
Just thanks to all | 4:19 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Beaver was so thrilled to hear Dr. Ellsworth was going to come on a regular basis. He has been
part of our lives for several years. We appreciate
the extra mile service he gave us. We in Beaver
express our sincere sympathy to your famillies.
May God Bless.
Our thoughts are with all... | 4:30 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
We, The Johnson Family, would like to express our condolences for all of those involved in this tragic accident. Our thoughts and heart felt prayers are with each of their families. We feel comfort and peace knowing that Mandy was with such wonderful people in her final hours. We want the families to know how much we appreciate the kindness, fun, and love shown to Mandy while she was employed with Dr. Ellsworth. So many times Mandy would make the comment that she loved those she worked with and felt like they were all true friends. We would also like to thank family, friends, media, and everyone in the community who have expressed their thoughts and love in anyway.
tenx | 5:43 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
What a sad day. I was treated with kindness and care at that office in Cedar. They all will be missed.
Lisa | 6:32 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I knew Lancing and Lynann from our college days at Pullman Washington. It was a shock to find out about this accident. I've always admired them both. My thoughts and prayers are with Lynann and her children at this time. The Frames
KingAire pilot | 6:37 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
The aircraft was reported to hit flat which tells you they didnt have enough lift for the weight of the aircraft. The above remarks report w great pilot but if he overgrossed the aircraft and very possibly had the rear center of gravity beyond the allowable limit,the aircraft would obey the laws of physics. A great pilot ability has nothing to do with what happened What training and supervision of dispatch, fuel and passenger and baggage weights existed at his T.O. point. I flew the KingAire and I remember that you couldnt allow takeoff with full fuel and full passengers-and especially with baggage
Mandy Johnson | 8:00 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I coached Mandy at Hurricane High School a year during her early years in H.S. I was amazed by her ability at such a young. She was so kind to everyone on the team and such a joy to teach and also be around. She was a beautiful person on the inside and outside. Her and the Rosander's daughter had purchased me a matching sweater to match the other girls as a gift. I thought they were so kind. I remember asking them to eat a good breakfast and I remember being impressed with her saying to me, "My mom makes me the best homemade breakfasts every morning." She was a darling girl. I feel honored to have known her.
Ralph | 8:32 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
I used to own and fly a Cessna 182 and had a few close class during that time. I sometimes miss flying small planes but with all the recent deaths in small planes, I think I'll continue to stay away from that activity.
Anonymous | 8:49 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
When a tradgedy happens like this you just cannot say we will let bygones be bygones. The insurance companies have never made so much money as they have in the past few years. The insurance companies have a sacred and honored duty to pay adequate compensation to the families of the loved ones whose precious lives have been taken.

We know one thing, when an airplaine crash happens like this it is rarely the passenger's fault.

I just hope the lawyers who get these wrongful death cases file the case in Cedar City where the people were known and loved because their loved ones will receive greater compensation in Cedar City than in Salt Lake.

Don't accept the corporate mantra that they are not at fault. Someone is at fault and it is very likely not the passengers. Make the corporate insurance companies be accountable and make them pay fair and honorable compensation to the families who need it in this time of need.
rosander | 8:49 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Mandy was an amazing person! I will truely miss her sweet sweet smile! She has a wonderful spirit and was very compasionate and loving to everyone she met. There is not one person that knew her or was touched by her that will not remember what she did for them or how good of a friend she was. she was a wonderful teacher, mentor, friend, and teamate. I love her and my thoughts go out her family and all the other families that lost someone in that tragic plaincrash in moab. Just know that they all were greatly loved and are continuing doing good in the next life! my heart and prayers are with you all.
So Sorry | 10:24 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
Johnson Family,
I can not find the words to tell you how sorry I am about the loss of your daughter. She was a beautiful and sweet girl. You are in my thoughts and prayers along with the other families involved. There has been some good that has come from this tragedy. I would bet there are a lot of people looking at their own lives and vowing to live their life just a little better, love their family just a little more, and live life to the fullest each day. The way Mandy did everyday. I know I am.
Cody | 11:37 p.m. Aug. 24, 2008
The aviation comunity has lost a great pilot and mentor I personaly flee with Dave while he was still flight instructing and as a CFI myself I can tell you that there wasn't a safer more knowledgeable pilot out there. Dave personaly taught me do much on how to be a safe pilot. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dave's and sons.
elder brown | 12:36 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008
i served with Elder Dallin Ellsworth in the buenos aires south mission. We were both DL's in the adrogue zone, although i never got to know him real well personally, he was such a good missionary and person in general. I really wish the best for his wife and unborn son who unfortunatly will never have the blessing of knowing his father in this lifetime. I really feel for the family members and give my condolences to them. god bless you
Anonymous | 7:54 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008
I struggle with Anon 8:49's post. None of the people involved are those kind of people. None of the families think like you do. Let us grieve in peace, please.
Anonymous | 10:56 a.m. Aug. 25, 2008
Things to consider
What was the T/O weight? C/G?
Baggage?
Density Alt.?
Winds?
What was the pilots Total Time? In Make/Model? Turbine PIC? Multi PIC? Last curranncy ride for Make and Model? How much sleep in the last 24hrs?
The king air 100A is an underpowered stretched C90. They are cheap to buy not very good hot and high performers even with the walter conversion. What were the times on the engines. Last overhaul, hotsection, etc. 100's have a weird trim system than the 90's, 200's, 350's. Control lock removed?
Autofeather even equiped? Armed? Tested?
To many factors
God bless everyone
cherie | 1:57 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
I did know any of the victims. But my Nephew Rand Colbert was his partner. This is so sad. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to the victims Familys May God Bless every one of you. And May God Bless Rand and his Family.
IG | 5:14 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
They were on a day trip. Therefore, they had very little baggage. I do suspect that they had some type of chemical in a tank, due to the type of work they did and possibly this could have been the problem. Like the crash in the Florida Everglades a few years ago. I don't know if we will ever find the real answer to this one. So sad.
Elizabeth | 5:52 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
I was a friend of Marci Tillery, one of the victims of the place crash. She has to wonderful little boys, ages 6 and 3, and a husband, Matt. She and her family just brought a house in Enoch last year. Marci worked her way through college (suu biology major) at mcdonalds and walmart. She was a deciated worker and mother and friend. She will be missed greatly. I am sad that so much attention to paid to others in the crash. Marci's death will have a major impact on the lives of her young boys. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Jim Enyart | 9:41 p.m. Aug. 25, 2008
Dave Goddard was a true friend to me and my children. He was a great and empathatic listener, and always anxious to help. I will miss his friendship.

I hope for peace and comfort to all the families and friends of all the people involved in this tragedy.
Miriam Goddard Adamson | 9:30 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008
David Goddard was my brother and Cecilee, my neice. All my siblings and I appreciate all the words of condolences,not only to our family but to all those families involved. We extend our condolences to all the other families, especially the ones with small children. We know of the feelings they may be having. Our father was a surgeon who operated in 3 rural counties in California. He died at age 48, while David was in the MTC preparing to leave for his mission to Hawaii. My mom was left with 5 other children ages 16 to 1 1/2. May our Heavenly Father's blessings be with all the families. May we live to pattern our lives more after the examples of these vibrant young people and give service in all facets of our lives, as they have done so nobly.
Sharunn Udall (Downing) | 10:08 a.m. Aug. 26, 2008
Marci was one of my best friends in high school...I am saddened for her boys and husband...I have three boys of my own...she had no idea the impact she would have on my life...I am sad that we never kept in touch...I converted when I was 24 years old...I am not sure if she knew that or not...I was always impressed with the decisions she would make at such a young age...to be converted unto Christs' Church...her life wasn't easy by any means...a true pioneer of these latter-days...losing a mother at such a young age...how devastating but she overcame and moved on...She was a great big sister to her own sisters...my heart goes out to them as well. What I can remember about Marci is her distinct laugh...it was so funny to me...she always smiled. I have missed you Marci and I always will miss you.
Love Sharunn
Janett | 2:34 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008
My heart aches for for the small town I now call home. I've met some very wonderful and loving people here. Chelsea, I've thought of you many times since we worked together. I think of you even more now. I remember your cheerfulness, your laughter, your sillyness on transports. You always spoke highly & lovingly about your family. Feel that love now. Hold your memories close. The love you have for each other, and for God, will help you through the storm. All of Cedar City is on my heart and in my prayers. Chelsea, I'm only a key stroke away.
Mary Lou | 3:23 p.m. Aug. 26, 2008
I have been going to Dr Ellsworth in Page for about 3 years and got to know him and his wonderful caring patient fun Staff. Valerie was so full of life and knowledgable and ready to answer any questions and put you at ease. Dr. "E" would go to the ends of the Earth to fix any problem. So kind and caring. I just can't get over this happening to such a loving intelligent group of People. I will never forget their competence and consideration. I send my Prayers to all the Families. Mary Lou Schwartz
Eryn Tripp | 8:39 p.m. Sept. 4, 2008
Val was my young women�s leader and she was the most amazing person I have ever met she was so nice and always had a smile on her face. I miss her a lot and my thoughts and prayers go to her husband and sons and grandsons.
Former room mate  | 1:25 p.m. Dec. 9, 2009
I had the opportunity to meet and live with Mandy for a semester teaching English in Ukraine. We all definitely had our ups and downs but it was a pleasure to work with her. She is truly missed.

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