Plane That Crashed in Arizona, Killing Four, Had Drugs Onboard

More than 12 pounds of marijuana and a large amount of cash in a suitcase found in aircraft wreckage.
June 26, 2009

AUSTIN, TX -- Authorities say a private plane that crashed in Arizona this week, killing four people, carried more than 12 pounds of marijuana and a large amount of cash in a suitcase.

Cmdr. Bob Sutton of the Navajo County, Ariz., Sheriff's Office tells the Austin American-Statesman in Texas that the drugs and money were in the rear of the wreckage.

The twin-engine plane was en route to the Austin area when it crashed in flames Wednesday shortly after takeoff from Holbrook, AZ. It had flown to Holbrook from Santa Rosa, CA.

Investigators say the pilot, 45-year-old David Tuntland, apparently had an upset stomach and had to lie down while the plane was being refueled.

Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board investigators were at the crash scene Thursday.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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