74-year-old pilot dies after plane crashes in Waller County; another man critically injured: DPS

WALLER COUNTY, Texas – A pilot has died and a passenger is in critical condition after a small plane crashed Monday afternoon in Waller County, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

The two-seat, single-engine plane nose-dived and folded over on itself in a field near Waller Gladish and Howell Road after possibly experiencing mechanical issues, according to Lt. Craig Cummings, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Cummings said the plane’s engine had dislodged during the crash.

Investigators said the plane departed from Hooks Airport and was headed to Soaring Club of Houston.

Cummings said the two men were both flown to Memorial Hermann Hospital via Life Flight in critical condition. The pilot, Harding Rome from Houston, was later pronounced dead.

The FAA is sending an investigator to conduct its own investigation into the crash. DPS troopers are holding the scene to help the FAA with its investigation. Cummings thanked the Waller County Sheriff’s Office, EMS and fire department for actively responding to the scene and helping law enforcement.

The scene is under investigation and officials are asking people to stay away from the area.

This is a developing story. KPRC 2 will provide updates as more information becomes available.