MADISONVILLE, Texas – The National Transportation Safety Board announced that it has completed its investigation into a plane crash that left one person dead and five people injured at the Madisonville Municipal Airport Monday.
Deputies said they received reports of the crash around midnight. According to investigators, a single-engine airplane was trying to land when the single-engine Piper PA-32 struck trees and crashed about 300 yards short of the Madisonville Municipal Airport runway, said Sgt. Justin Ruiz of the Texas Department of Public Safety. NTSB examination also confirmed that the plane was preparing to make a landing before crashing.
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Five people are in critical condition are were transported by Life Flight to various hospitals in the area. The pilot, Apolo Diaz of Kansas City, Missouri, was killed, Ruiz said.
NTSB said the pilot was not wearing a seatbelt during the crash. Investigators said there were no deficiencies in the aircraft that would have caused the crash but will look into the pilot’s actions and weather. When asked if the plane belonged to the pilot, NTSB said the plane is registered under the same address as the pilot but not the name. Investigators will also look into the pilot’s flying history and training as the investigation continues.
The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating the crash.