US

Doctor Who Survived 2003 Plane Crash That Killed Family…Dies in Plane Crash With His Second Wife

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — A colleague says an Indiana doctor who died with his wife in a single-engine plane crash in Michigan survived a previous plane crash that killed several relatives.

The News-Sentinel of Fort Wayne reported Saturday that Dr. Stephen Hatch and his wife, Kim, died Friday evening near Charlevoix in a crash that left his son, Austin, in critical condition.

Dr. David Bojrab says Hatch and his son survived a 2003 crash near Fort Wayne that killed Hatch’s previous wife and two of their children.

Bojrab told the newspaper the Hatches were on their way to their summer home in the Charlevoix area when the plane flew into a garage near Charlevoix Municipal Airport.

Federal investigators were on the scene Saturday morning.

Editor’s note: This Indiana News Center report has more background on Dr. Hatch and his family:

And this report looks at the first plane crash in 2003:

Comments (104)

1 2 3
  • markthespark
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:59am

    This guy should have learned the first time around…it’s called instinct.

    Report Post »  
  • RedHarley
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:25am

    Another strange thing is that the Beechcraft Bonanza has for years been called the “fork tailed doctor killer” or just “doctor killer’ in aviation circles. It is a high performance aircraft that has a “V” tail instead of the standard configuration of rudder and elevators. Doctors would buy them but didn’t have the experience to fly them. Both of this guy’s crashes were in Bonanzas.
    On a side note, it is the same airplane that killed Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper……

    Report Post » RedHarley  
    • RedHarley
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:32am

      I have to correct myself.
      The Bonanza he was flying this time was the A36 variant which has the standard tail configuration, not the V tail.
      Still a “Doctor Killer”.

      Report Post » RedHarley  
  • TheGreyPiper
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:25am

    Sounds like the wrap-up to a Twilight Zone episode…

    Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:24am

    Small planes, freaking dangerous, too many inexperienced pilots and using planes because they have money their pocket, status symbol!! Stiffer regulations are needed for these damn things!!

    Report Post »  
    • gonetoworkbbackin5min
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 3:10pm

      regs are stiff enough now. have u ever pursued a private pilot certificate? I suggest more regulation on your reckless speech

      Report Post »  
  • Trains
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:07am

    There is no post crash fire and the crash happened near an airport. Ok, sounds like the plane ran out of fuel.

    Report Post »  
  • DREDGE
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 8:57am

    Could have been a lousy mechanic!!! In both cases!

    Report Post »  
  • felix
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 8:22am

    Civilian pilots , more money than brains

    Report Post »  
  • liberalsarealiens
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 8:21am

    Doctors, for some reason make very poor pilots. Through out my flying career I have to say I have seen more Doctors crash aircraft than any other profession that flies. Not knockin a Dr. that flies because I know a few that are great pilots, but it is true. Maybe they have other things on their mind than flying the aircraft.

    Report Post » liberalsarealiens  
  • RepubliCorp
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 8:12am

    There is an old joke, I hope it isn’t the pilots turn to die

    Report Post » RepubliCorp  
  • chips1
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 7:45am

    Add your comments

    Report Post »  
    • Hoosierchap
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 7:58pm

      Here I was so happy for Dr. Hatch and his son because it seemed that they were getting on with life after such an horrific tragedy from the first accident where the rest of the family literally burned up before their eyes; then I read this and I was unbelievably angry! How could he put his son through this again? What was he thinking? Yes, it crossed my mind that it could be a “death wish”, but how could I presume that? At least the good doctor will be reunited with his former loved ones, but what about poor Austin if he survives this? I am just so saddened by it even though I know that God has His plans for each and everyone of us–our time for living and our time for dying…..

      Report Post » Hoosierchap  
  • chips1
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 7:39am

    First it‘s global warming and now it’s global gravity. Al Gore should be making a speech about this crisis soon.

    Report Post »  
  • 912828Buckeye
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 7:17am

    Pressed his “luck” one time to many.

    Report Post » 912828Buckeye  
  • ap_news_guy
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 5:25am

    This is a warning for people who are inexperienced pilots.

    There are maneuvers that should not be undertaken unless you are fully certified and checked out to do so by a licensed and experienced training instructor.

    Flying your plane in a garage is definitely something that you shouldn’t try at home or without an experienced trainer on board.

    Report Post » ap_news_guy  
  • RationalJames
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 4:49am

    …I totally read the title wrong at first.

    I was disappointed to find that this was not, in fact, a post about Doctor Who. A sad day indeed.

    Report Post » RationalJames  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 5:05am

      That’s how I saw it at first too!!!

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • TheGreyPiper
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:24am

      HA! Good call, I completely missed that, buy you’re right! “Doctor Who survives …”

      Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
  • HOOFHEARTED
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 3:19am

    Hope he was a better doctor than a pilot!…I had an old Air Force Supervisor who had an Air Force A-10A pilot back into his Camero..My Supervisor told the pilot, “I hope you fly better than you can drive!”

    Report Post » HOOFHEARTED  
  • 12uN3
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 2:59am

    I know this family personally, went to high school with their daughter, absolutely amazing Christian family that had a horribly difficult life that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. They overcame adversity, and stood with the only hope that mankind has, Jesus Christ, and formed a new life and family, which in turn turned chaos, and depression into complete joy. I am praying for you Hatch Family….Father God, Lord of All bless the remaining Hatch family…if it is your will heal Austin both physically and mentally as this is going to be the most difficult time in his life. Bless both Maria and Brittanee as this has to be the most difficult times in there lives, help them to find some sort of peace in the midst of turmoil. Fort Wayne, and the BCS family is praying for you unceasingly.

    Report Post » 12uN3  
    • SecurityForce
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 7:33am

      Amen, Sorry about the ignorant posts here and the lack of good reporting by The Blaze. May God Bless his son.

      Report Post »  
    • Jenny Lind
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:13am

      There are no words that can comfort right now. I pray the son recovers and that the family can get through this. We do not get to see the bigger picture of our lives until we are on the other side, so sometimes life seems to be caos and sadness, that only the grace of God can see us through. God bless them

      Report Post »  
    • InHIShands
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:05pm

      Thank you for adding this. I’m also from Fort Wayne, and have read local news articles that went into much greater detail. From the articles I’ve read and comments made by readers, it sounds like this was a very caring, generous family who was loved by those who knew them. My prayers go out to the many friends and family members of the Hatch family.

      Report Post »  
    • logoad1
      Posted on June 28, 2011 at 12:38am

      While I do not know the family, my sister and several friends were professionally associated with Dr. Hatch, liked him and respected his work with his patients. My heart bleeds and my prayers go out to Austin for a speedy and complete recovery and mental healing.
      However, I also have first-hand information of the salvage and investigation of the first crash. Pilot error and poor judgement were found to be responsible for the crash in ‘03, and this crash was incredibly similar. An earlier post named the Bonanza “doctor killers” which is true (however, the first Bonanza was a straight tail – not sure what the second one was), but it seems that, at times, the traits that make good and competent doctors may make arrogant and over-confident pilots.

      Report Post »  
  • pothos42
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 2:44am

    “Uhhhh, Dad?”
    “Yes, son?”
    “No offense, but I’m taking the bus.”

    Report Post »  
  • Ron_WA
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 2:38am

    See, marriage will kill you!

    Report Post » Ron_WA  
    • bkfirvine
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 2:42am

      It‘s not marriage that’ll kill you – it‘s the woman in the marriage that’ll kill you.

      Report Post » bkfirvine  
  • confederacyofdunces
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 2:16am

    A shame but after losing his first wife and 2 kids why keep flying? He didn’t finish the job the first time? There are some well educated people with no common sense , actually now that I think about it BHO comes to mind. Except that he already had kids it sounds like a Darwin award story.

    Report Post »  
  • mickyuille
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 2:13am

    I think you should note that the son who is in critical condition is a high valued recruit for the University of Michigan. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=6704284

    Report Post »  
    • hi
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 10:46am

      That’s so sad. He has no mom or dad now at just 16 years of age. It sounds like he has an enormous close family though that will love and support him. I pray he pulls through this AND is still healthy enough to play basketball.

      Report Post » hi  
    • Eric Window
      Posted on June 28, 2011 at 7:46pm

      I hope his son makes it, imagine being in two plane crashes and losing one of his parents in both, not to mention his siblings. This child may be destined for something. God watch over him.

      Report Post » Eric Window  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 2:07am

    Final Destination?

    Report Post »  
  • Netsurfer2
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 2:07am

    My condolences goes out to the family and friends! It‘s not easy in this world when you lose loved one’s! Let us pray for them and their family!

    Report Post » Netsurfer2  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 3:19am

      Amen. I lost a cousin last Wed, to a massive stroke and he was in his early 30s. Just happened, and he had been to the doctors a few days earlier. Now he is gone and left a wife and two beautiful little girls.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Falcon
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 1:58am

    The family that flies together, dies together. It may sound cold, but I’ve heard too many stories about families flying together in small planes who all go down together. Very sad.

    Report Post » Falcon  
    • olfart
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 8:18am

      That’s because the only ones you hear about are the ones that crash. The millions who fly together and arrive safely are not newsworthy.

      Report Post »  
    • butler180
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:21am

      How many car crashes have take entire families?
      No matter how the family die, it is always a tragedy.
      Prayers go out to the family of the deceased.

      Report Post » butler180  
  • Da Kingfish
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 1:47am

    Sounds like this guy should have had his license pulled long ago.

    Report Post » Da Kingfish  
  • Laus Deo
    Posted on June 26, 2011 at 1:43am

    Funny thing about dying… Don’t get to choose how, when, or where.

    Report Post » Laus Deo  
    • Laus Deo
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 1:44am

      *excludes murder and suicide.

      Report Post » Laus Deo  
    • Patrick in AZ
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 1:53am

      if the Doctor was the pilot, he sucked

      Report Post » Patrick in AZ  
    • ZaphodsPlanet
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 1:57am

      Unless you get on a plane when this guy is flying. Of course that won’t be a problem any more. Sounds like the guy should have lost is lic. after the first horrific accident.

      Report Post » ZaphodsPlanet  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 2:17am

      I wonder if the son was in the other crash, This is so sad especially when whole families die. I will pray for the loved ones.

      Report Post »  
    • Hobbs57
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 2:26am

      I think this story goes to show that when you served your purpose here, no matter what you tragedy you face, you will live. However, when it is your time to go, not a thing in this world can stop that either.

      Wish the liberals would gather this reality. Especially the fact that we ALL will seize to exist one day. Somehow, some way, we will die…. That is, unless you are taken before you ever had a chance to live — like in the wound

      Report Post » Hobbs57  
    • The_Almighty_Creestof
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 2:51am

      Sounds like a suicidal man who wanted to take his family with him…survives the first crash, grabs another wife, rinse/repeat…I hope the son walks from now on.

      Report Post »  
    • STAR SPANGLED SPAMMER
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 3:13am

      Flying can be tricky with strong cross winds in a small plane like that. I have flown in those conditions and it can get very hairy, quickly! Bottom line? Taking off is easy…Flying is easy..Landings are a Bitc#

      (“trust nobody”)….Power to the People!!!!

      Report Post » STAR SPANGLED SPAMMER  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 3:17am

      I hope and ask the Almighty for a swift and full recovery for his son, and to help him with the loss of his parents in this time of tradgedy.

      Personally, I do not know if this doctor was suicidal or even a bad piolet; there is still the final report of the investigation to be presented, and until then I wish to hold off on any final conclusions of my own.

      It is possible that the plane suffered a mechanical malfunction at the worst possible moment, or a list of other factors could have caused it…consider what would have happened if at a low altitutde the doctor suffered a heart attack or something and there was no time left for anyone to do anything else.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Showtime
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 3:43am

      @SissyKatz ~
      Hatch and his first wife and children were in the first plane crash. Hatch and his son survived.

      Hatch and his second wife and the son were in the second crash. The son is the only survivor, and he’s in critical condition.

      I’m guessing that if the son survives this second crash, he will be traveling by car or bus.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Brasil2520
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 4:25am

      ” Don’t get to choose how, when or where ”

      Maybe some people can choose, like this guy was pushing his luck.

      Since Florida repealed the helmet law, motorcyclist deaths increased more than 81% in the 3 years after the 2000 helmet repeal, so if you “choose” to use a helmet it could save your life.

      Report Post » Brasil2520  
    • Aaron in Polk County
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 5:00am

      If at first you don’t succeed…

      Report Post » Aaron in Polk County  
    • nothingbuthetruth
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 8:29am

      was he flying the plane the first time? Poor Austin

      Report Post »  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:03am

      muder / suicide.

      Report Post »  
    • RedHarley
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:04am

      Another strange thing is that the Beechcraft Bonanza has for years been called the “fork tailed doctor killer” or just “doctor killer’ in aviation circles. It is a high performance aircraft that has a “V” tail instead of the standard configuration of rudder and elevators. Doctors would buy them but didn’t have the experience to fly them. Both of this guy’s crashes were in Bonanzas.
      On a side note, it is the same airplane that killed Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper……

      Report Post » RedHarley  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:09am

      Gives a new meaning to “final approach.”

      (too soon?)

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • butler180
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:22am

      Sad event for the family members left behind. The Peace of the LORD be with them.

      Report Post » butler180  
    • KwikKarl
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:52am

      @Patrick in AZ
      if the Doctor was the pilot, he sucked

      ZaphodsPlanet
      @ “Sounds like the guy should have lost is lic. after the first horrific accident.”

      So if your the driver involved in a car accident that has taken a life you should loose your driver’s license? Do you know all the surrounding facts before passing judgement? Was it driver/pilot error? Was it a mechanical issue – car or plane? Was it weather related – car or plane?

      Quick to pass judgement without knowing all the facts….

      Report Post » KwikKarl  
    • KwikKarl
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 9:56am

      “Saved a major role in saving the Smith Field” and “bad weather and a low ceiling” at the time – of course Patrick and Zaphod have never driven in such weather conditions right?

      Report Post » KwikKarl  
    • corbecket
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 10:03am

      It is truly amazing as to the number of aviation safety experts that have commented on this story! The investigators over at the NTSB must surely be concerned about their jobs with all of the talent that has already determined the cause of this accident.
      All I see is, what appears to be an A-36 that impacted a house. I’m guessing, were I to have chest pains, that half of the commenters would personally perform open heart surgery on me.
      Everyone’s an expert on aviation safety today too….sigh.

      Report Post » corbecket  
    • TheCenturion
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 10:06am

      Final Destination.

      Report Post »  
    • 1proudAmerican
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 10:47am

      @thecenturion

      I was thinking the same thing. Maybe he cheated death the first time.

      Report Post »  
    • SacredHonor1776
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 11:25am

      Headline is morbidly amusing;

      Dr. Who dies in a plane crash? Won’t he just regenerate?

      Report Post »  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 2:09pm

      Can’t hide from fate.

      Report Post »  
    • moriah21
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 4:02pm

      I can’t believe the posts on here. I live in Fort Wayne and although I did not know Austin personally, I can‘t even imagine what he’s going through right now. He has lost his whole family and people on here are making jokes about it. Have a heart. He will definitely be in my prayers. God bless you Austin.

      Report Post »  
1 2 3

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love