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http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGABAF556WC.html
Pilot Who Died in California Airplane Crash Identified as an FAA Consultant
The Associated Press
Published: Jan 7, 2002
BUENA PARK, Calif. (AP) - A pilot killed when his twin-engine airplane
crashed into a vacant lot three blocks from an airport has been identified
as an engineering consultant for the Federal Aviation Administration.
Donald Dirian, 69, of Whittier, advised businesses on how to make their
aircraft safe enough to pass inspections.
Dirian was the only person aboard the Cessna 337 Skymaster. It was nearly
vertical when it hit the ground shortly before 1 p.m. Saturday, bursting
into flames between a strip mall and a residential area.
Observers said he guided the aircraft to the only area where he could avoid
hitting people or densely packed buildings.
"If he'd been in the military, he'd have received a medal for what he did,"
said business colleague George Crowe. "To do that requires a great deal of
skill and courage."
Dirian had worked on hundreds of aviation safety projects, said John Joseph,
another consultant. He described Dirian as one of the most respected
aviation engineers in the state.
Rod Propst, manager of Fullerton Municipal Airport, said Dirian took off
from the airport about 20 minutes before the crash. No problems had been
reported before the accident.
Propst said the plane, which is unusual because it has one propeller in
front and another in back, is "remarkably forgiving" in cases where one
engine fails. But it's also a plane that only an experienced pilot would
fly.
A National Transportation Safety Board investigation was ongoing.
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