HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS — Two people, described as an older man and woman, were killed after their twin-engine plane crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff from an airport in northwest Harris County.
According to authorities, the pilot was attempting to return to the airport due to a mechanical failure when the crash occurred. The victims' names are being withheld pending notification of their families.
The Incident
The aircraft, a 1972 Cessna 340, had just departed for Lubbock when it experienced a technical malfunction, Harris County Sgt. Richard Standifer reported at the scene.
"The pilot attempted to turn the plane around. He got fairly low to the runway," Sgt. Standifer said.
However, the plane did not make it back to the airport, landing "well short of the runway" before it was engulfed in flames upon impact. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is now underway by the relevant authorities.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family," Sgt. Standifer added.
