Anthony Yates
Two occupants of a small plane were fatally injured in a crash in Texas over the weekend. The impact ignited bushfires, triggering a large response from emergency services.
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What happened: According to a report by Click2Houston, the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport in Spring. The aircraft, a Cessna 340, reportedly departed from Utah and traveled to New Mexico the previous day.
- The aircraft took off from David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport, but experienced mechanical issues. Click2Houston cites data from FlightAware, which shows the plane was only in the air for four minutes.
- The pilot reportedly attempted to turn back and land, but missed the runway, crashing into the ground. Authorities have not identified the victims, but say that both died at the scene. The outlet also notes that the weather was not a factor in the crash.
The Crashed Plane Started A Bushfire Nearby
Engulfed in flames: Click2Houston reveals that the crash started bushfires near an industrial area and a tree farm.
- Sheriff Ed Gonzalez posted about the incident on Facebook, explaining the aircraft was “reportedly engulfed in flames.” Gonzalez later posted again, saying, “Scene at Hooks Airport (Tomball) remains active, as some bushfires have ignited in the adjacent area. Fire Department is responding to a nearby tree farm.”
- Per the Houston Chronicle, the Klein Fire Department had the flames under control by 1:55 PM. The fire had reportedly spread across a 50-acre radius from the downed plane.
- Texas DPS Sgt. Richard Standifer said of the pilot, “I don’t necessarily think he was lined up exactly to the runway,” per ABC 13. “He landed the plane well shy of the runway. Once the plane made contact with the runway, it burst into flames,” he reportedly said. The NTSB is now investigating the incident.
Another fatal crash: Earlier this month, a small plane carrying a family crashed inside the Bighorn National Forest. Owing to the remote location, authorities used air units to locate the crash site.
- Emergency services airlifted an 11-year-old and two adults to local hospitals with serious injuries. First responders also located a 13-year-old girl, but pronounced her dead at the scene.
- The FAA reportedly provided few details about the crash. They said the incident occurred after the aircraft’s initial climb. The plane then “crashed under unknown circumstances.”
