The wind pushed hard across the runway near Estoril, Portugal, but General José Sanjurjo ignored it.
His walked across the tarmac toward the waiting plane a British-built Dragon Rapide with twin wings and a reputation for grace in calm skies.
Not today.
He turned to the pilot, who looked visibly nervous.
"We're too heavy, General," the man said. "If we lose lift...."
Sanjurjo waved a hand. "Fly. I need my uniforms. I will not enter Spain looking like a refugee."
Inside the small cabin, an aide secured the crate of ceremonial dress.
Sanjurjo settled into the cramped seat and stared ahead as the engine started.
The plane rumbled, taxied, then lifted.
For three brief seconds, it flew.
Then it tilted, nose up, overburdened.
The engine sputtered.
The port wing dipped sharply.
The aircraft spiraled, clipped the edge of a stone wall, and crumpled into the ground.
Flames erupted.
