In brief: Vintage plane crashes; pilot dies
Chandler, Ariz. – A World War II-era plane crashed Thursday while attempting to land at a small suburban Phoenix airport, killing the pilot and setting a hangar on fire, authorities said.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the single-engine P-51D Mustang crashed at about 1:20 p.m. at Stellar Airpark in Chandler.
Witnesses said the plane appeared to be coming in too fast for its attempted landing. It touched down short of the runway and cartwheeled into the hangar, they said.
Authorities and family members identified the pilot as Nazzi Hirani, a Chandler businessman who was in his 50s and had a collection of World War II airplanes.
Circus zebra euthanized
Atlanta – A 12-year-old circus zebra that caused a stir when he escaped and ran through downtown Atlanta last month has been euthanized.
A statement posted on Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey’s Web site says veterinarians were unable to repair the animal’s hooves, which were damaged when he sprinted through the city.
The zebra named Lima led his trainers and police on a 40-minute chase Feb. 19. Police eventually helped capture the animal on an interstate.
Spokeswoman Crystal Drake said the circus decided to euthanize the animal after weighing his prospects for a comfortable life – not his ability to perform in the future.
Ringling Bros. says it has worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to review policies and ensure no other animals flee.