Pilot of experimental plane killed when it crashes

<br>POTEAU, Okla. (AP) _ A Le Flore County man piloting an ultra-light experimental aircraft was killed Monday afternoon when the plane crashed three miles northeast of Poteau, authorities said. <br><br>Gordan

Tuesday, April 23rd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

POTEAU, Okla. (AP) _ A Le Flore County man piloting an ultra-light experimental aircraft was killed Monday afternoon when the plane crashed three miles northeast of Poteau, authorities said.

Gordan Hoffman, 73, suffered massive injuries in the 5:30 p.m. crash and died at the scene, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported.

There were no other occupants on the plane, troopers said.

According to witnesses, the plane took off from a private airstrip and went into a climb before the engine stalled. The patrol said the engine was restarted but it stalled again and would not restart.

The aircraft then fell to the ground, about a half-mile from the airstrip.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified, troopers said.