Asmall aircraft identified as a Starduster II biplane crashed Monday afternoon near Azle, Texas, just west of Fort Worth. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash occurred around 2:45 p.m. local time near Flying Oakes Airport.
Two occupants escaped without serious injuries after the aircraft caught fire upon impact.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding aircraft operations, particularly during takeoff and landing phases which statistics show are the most dangerous portions of flight. With at least four major aviation incidents in the past two months, concerns and hesitancy over flight safety are growing among Americans.
The Trump administration is currently under scrutiny for letting hundreds of probationary FAA employees go only weeks after the deadliest U.S. crash in nearly a quarter century.
What We Know
The Tarrant County Sheriff's Office reported that the plane had just departed from a nearby airfield when it encountered issues and attempted an emergency landing in a field in the 4000 block of Silverview Lane. Multiple emergency agencies responded to the scene.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has officially opened an investigation into the crash of the Starduster II airplane (registration N78WT), which they confirmed was "substantially damaged" in the accident. The investigation will focus on three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment.
As part of their standard investigative protocol, the NTSB will gather flight track data, air traffic control communications, aircraft maintenance records, and the pilot's license information. They will also collect data from any electronic devices or surveillance video that might contain relevant information.
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