About 18:16 eastern time, a Cessna 182J struck trees on a golf course shortly after takeoff from Witham Field Airport. The pilot and his passenger were killed. The aircraft had performed one touch-and-go landing and remained in the traffic pattern. Witnesses reported hearing the engine miss-firing and making strange backfire or popping sounds. The pilot advised the controller he was landing on the golf course. The controller questioned if the engine was operable and the pilot reported an engine malfunction. The airplane struck a tree 35 feet agl and burned. Investigators were able to get the engine to operate to 2,600 rpm after the crash.
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