NTSB probe Archives - Page 2 of 3

Arizona, United States: A helicopter crash in remote terrain east of Phoenix claimed the lives of a seasoned Oregon pilot and his three young nieces on Jan. 2, 2026, just hours before he was scheduled to be married, authorities and family members said. The MD 369FF helicopter, piloted by 59-year-old David McCarty, crashed into rugged terrain in Telegraph Canyon, near Superior in Pinal County at around 11 a.m. local time, killing all four occupants. Family members said McCarty, originally from Oregon and a long-time resident of Queen Creek, Arizona, had taken his nieces Rachel McCarty (22), Faith McCarty (21) and Katelyn Heideman (21) on a sightseeing flight before his planned wedding later that afternoon. The bride-to-be, McCarty’s fiancée Joelleen Linstrom, was not aboard. According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, an eyewitness called 911 after seeing the helicopter strike what preliminary reports describe as a recreational slackline stretched across the canyon before it fell to the canyon floor. Deputies and rescue teams hiked into the remote area and reached the wreckage around 5 p.m. several hours after the crash. All four were pronounced dead at the scene. Local family members posted tributes on social media, describing the losses as devastating. “Many have heard about the unimaginable losses in my family. They went out for a helicopter ride in Arizona. The helicopter crashed and they never got the chance to come home,” wrote Elizabeth Gallup, a relative of the victims. McCarty was the founder and owner of Columbia Basin Helicopters, a firm based in La Grande, Oregon, with work in aerial support for power-line construction, logging, firefighting and recovery operations. Family and colleagues described him as an experienced pilot familiar with the area’s terrain, having flown similar routes multiple times. The helicopter departed from Pegasus Airpark in Queen Creek before entering the mountainous landscape south of Superior, according to local reports. Preliminary investigation indicates the helicopter may have collided with a recreational slackline, more than half a mile long, strung across the canyon. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), along with the sheriff’s office, are jointly investigating the incident to determine how the slackline came to be placed in that airspace and whether proper aviation safety protocols were followed. The International Slackline Association confirmed the slackline had aviation markers and that a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) had been issued to warn aviators of the obstruction before the crash. No slackliners were on the line at the time of the accident. Officials said investigators will gather flight records, radar data, maintenance logs, weather information, witness statements and other evidence as part of the formal NTSB investigation. A spokesperson for the NTSB has stated that the agency will lead the effort to determine the probable cause. The FAA and other agencies have urged pilots flying in rugged and remote environments to review all Notices to Air Missions and to exercise heightened caution when navigating below canyon rims and near known obstructions.

Oregon Pilot And Three Nieces Killed In Arizona Helicopter Crash Hours Before Wedding

Aviation Today News Desk / January 5, 2026

Arizona, United States: A helicopter crash in remote terrain east of Phoenix claimed the lives of a seasoned Oregon pilot […]

Florida, United States: A small twin-engine aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on the southbound side of Interstate 95 in Brevard County on Monday evening, striking a car in traffic as it descended. The plane identified as a multi-engine Beechcraft 55 came down near mile marker 201 in Cocoa at approximately 5:45 p.m., according to local authorities. The aircraft collided with a 2023 Toyota Camry being driven southbound, causing the car to be crushed against the median and scattering debris across multiple lanes. The Camry’s driver, a 57-year-old woman, was transported to Viera Hospital with what were described as minor injuries. Both the 27-year-old pilot and a 27-year-old passenger aboard the aircraft escaped without injury. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene. One bystander, who captured dash-cam footage of the crash, said the plane appeared to “drop out of the sky” and impact the rear of the car before sliding to a halt. Others at the scene including two nurses among passing motorists rushed to assist the driver. Authorities including the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation, with support from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Preliminary findings indicate the aircraft lost power in both engines before the emergency landing. There are no reports of fuel leaks, and traffic on the interstate which had been blocked in both directions for several hours was restored by around 9 p.m. local time. Officials have appealed to anyone with video footage or additional information to contact the NTSB, as investigators continue their probe into what caused the dual-engine failure. This was the second small-aircraft emergency reported in Florida on December 8. Earlier that afternoon, a Cessna 172 made an emergency landing on Jacobs Road in DeLand, about 46 miles north of Orlando. The single-engine plane came down around 2 p.m., according to reports from Fox 13 News. No major injuries were reported in that incident.

Aircraft Crashes

Twin-Engine Plane Drops Onto Florida Highway, Struck A Car Leaving One Person Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / December 11, 2025

Florida, United States: A small twin-engine aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on the southbound side of Interstate

Gulfport, United States: A small instructional aircraft from Apollo Flight Training and Aircraft Management plunged into Lake Pontchartrain Monday night after losing contact with air traffic controllers, authorities and the flight-school owner said. Two people on board a flight instructor and a student working toward their commercial license are presumed dead. The aircraft, a single-engine Cessna, departed from Million Air in Gulfport around 5:45 p.m. Monday, bound for a training approach to New Orleans Lakefront Airport. Radio contact was lost around 6:23–6:40 p.m., roughly four miles offshore over the lake. Search efforts by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), along with local agencies including wildlife and fisheries and parish sheriff’s offices, began shortly after the plane disappeared from radar. A MH-60 helicopter and a 29-foot Coast Guard boat were deployed from the New Orleans station. During the overnight search, crews recovered debris believed to belong to the aircraft including what appeared to be a seat cushion, and later what may have been part of the landing gear. Divers also reported a sonar hit in the search area, and teams observed water discoloration consistent with a crash. The owner of Apollo Flight Training, Michael Carastro, described the crash as “an unimaginable tragedy.” He confirmed the debris matched distinctive characteristics of their Cessna, and said based on maintenance and inspection records, mechanical failure appears unlikely. He also stated no distress call was received prior to the crash. Carastro noted the instructor aboard was “highly qualified,” with between 1,200 and 1,300 flight hours, and the student was working toward a commercial/instrument rating. He added that flying over water, particularly at night, carries additional risks: “you don’t have clear horizons, you get vertigo,” making spatial disorientation a possibility. But Carastro refrained from speculating on the cause until investigators completed their work. At present, the wreckage has not been recovered. The USCG, local agencies, and volunteer organizations continue search operations. Investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been initiated; authorities emphasize it is premature to draw conclusions about the cause of the crash.

Aircraft Crashes

Instructor, Student Feared Dead After Apollo Cessna Crashes In Lake Pontchartrain

Aviation Today News Desk / November 26, 2025

Gulfport, United States: A small instructional aircraft from Apollo Flight Training and Aircraft Management plunged into Lake Pontchartrain Monday night

Louisiana, United States: Three people from Texas were killed when a small twin-engine Beechcraft Baron aircraft crashed in a field near Gloria Switch Road and Louisiana Highway 93 in Lafayette Parish on Tuesday. Federal investigators have begun examining the wreckage to determine what caused the fatal accident. According to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m. local time on October 21. Emergency responders were dispatched to a rural area outside Carencro, where the aircraft went down and burst into flames upon impact. No survivors were found at the scene. Authorities identified the victims as Bruce Verduyn, 58, Justin Ramsey, 42, and Lydia Laws, 46, all residents of the Houston metropolitan area Verduyn and Ramsey from The Woodlands, and Laws from Spring, Texas. Flight tracking data reviewed by local outlets indicated that a Beechcraft Baron registered as N16PV departed from Hooks Memorial Airport near Houston around 9:53 a.m. and disappeared from radar approximately an hour later near the Lafayette crash site. Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have taken charge of the investigation. Preliminary findings have not yet been released, and authorities have not confirmed the flight’s destination or purpose. Sheriff’s deputies secured the area while firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and recover the remains. The debris field reportedly covered a significant portion of private farmland. Local residents described hearing a loud engine noise followed by a heavy thud before smoke rose from the site. Weather conditions in the area were reported as mostly clear at the time of the incident, though investigators have not ruled out any factors, including possible mechanical failure or pilot distress. The FAA said a full accident report will be published after the NTSB concludes its investigation, which could take months.

Aircraft Crashes

3 Killed As Beechcraft Baron Aircraft Crashes In Louisiana; FAA And NTSB Launch Probe

Aviation Today News Desk / October 22, 2025

Louisiana, United States: Three people from Texas were killed when a small twin-engine Beechcraft Baron aircraft crashed in a field

Michigan, United States: Three people were killed when a small aircraft crashed in a field near Bath Township, Michigan, on Thursday evening. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. near the intersection of Clark Road and Peacock Road, roughly 15 miles northeast of Lansing. According to Bath Township Police and Clinton County emergency officials, the aircraft went down shortly after radar contact was lost. Responding units found the wreckage engulfed in flames. All three individuals on board were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, pending family notifications. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation to determine the cause of the crash. A press conference scheduled for Thursday night was cancelled unexpectedly, reportedly at the direction of the FAA. “We were told by the FAA that the press briefing would not proceed at this time,” a Bath Township official told local station WILX News 10. No reason was given for the cancellation. Reports from CBS News Detroit indicate that the crash site remains under federal control while investigators examine debris patterns and flight data. Preliminary findings have not yet been released. According to trackers AirNav Radar and Flight Radar 24, the plane is believed to have been a Mexican-registered Hawker 800XP (XA-JMR), departing from Battle Creek before losing altitude and crashing. However, this detail has not been verified by U.S. authorities. Residents in the area reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing black smoke billow from the site moments after the crash. “It looked like something out of a movie, just fire and smoke,” one witness told local reporters. The FAA confirmed it is assisting with recovery operations and will issue a preliminary accident report within the coming days. The NTSB is expected to release an initial summary once investigators confirm aircraft type and flight path data.

Aircraft Crashes

Three Killed As Small Plane Crashes And Bursts Into Flames Near Bath Township

Aviation Today News Desk / October 17, 2025

Michigan, United States: Three people were killed when a small aircraft crashed in a field near Bath Township, Michigan, on

Texas, United States: Two people were killed on Sunday afternoon when a twin-engine aircraft crashed near Hicks Airfield in northwest Fort Worth, igniting a massive blaze that engulfed several parked tractor-trailers, authorities said. The King Air aircraft reportedly departed from Fort Worth Alliance Airport shortly before it went down around 1:30 p.m. local time, striking a property filled with semi-trucks, trailers, and campers. The impact set off multiple explosions, triggering fires that spread to at least ten parked trucks, according to the Fort Worth Fire Department. Firefighters managed to contain the flames within 35 minutes, with around 60 personnel, 10 engines, 14 support vehicles, and three ambulances dispatched to the scene. A nearby grass fire that broke out due to the crash was also quickly extinguished. Officials confirmed two fatalities at the crash site. Their identities have not been released. Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were on board the aircraft. No ground injuries were immediately reported, though the fire caused significant property damage. Several surrounding roads including parts of Business U.S. 287 and Tinsley Road were temporarily closed during emergency response operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest that investigators are examining possible mechanical failure or pilot-related issues, but officials have emphasized that it is too early to draw conclusions. The wreckage will be relocated for detailed examination by NTSB specialists in the coming days.

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed as Twin-Engine Plane Crashes Near Fort Worth, Sparks Massive Fire

Aviation Today News Desk / October 13, 2025

Texas, United States: Two people were killed on Sunday afternoon when a twin-engine aircraft crashed near Hicks Airfield in northwest

North Carolina, United States: A small private plane crashed in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Macon County on Thursday afternoon, killing all three people on board. Authorities have confirmed that the deceased include award-winning Nashville songwriter Brett James, 57. The Cirrus SR22T aircraft (tail number N218VB) went down shortly after 3 p.m. local time on September 18, just west of the school grounds in Franklin. The aircraft is registered to James and had departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee, earlier that day, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Macon County Sheriff’s Office and local media reports confirmed the fatalities. Songwriter Brett James, whose career spanned more than two decades, was among those killed. He was known for penning hits including “Jesus, Take the Wheel” (Carrie Underwood) and “When the Sun Goes Down” (Kenny Chesney). James’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Nashville music community, where he was regarded as one of the most versatile and prolific writers of his generation. His songs, often blending country and pop influences, earned him Grammy Awards and recognition from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. The identities of the two other victims have not yet been officially released. While the crash site was close to Iotla Valley Elementary School, officials confirmed that no students or staff were injured. The Macon County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the wreckage was located in a field adjacent to the school and did not impact school property. Parents and staff were quickly notified, and emergency crews secured the area. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the accident. The North Carolina Highway Patrol assisted local law enforcement in securing the crash site. The FAA is expected to release a preliminary accident report within the next few days, though full investigations can take months. Brett James’s career began as a recording artist before he transitioned to songwriting, where he built a reputation for crafting chart-topping hits across multiple genres. Beyond country music, he collaborated with artists in pop and rock, including Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, and Kelly Clarkson. His songwriting not only brought him industry acclaim but also cemented his influence on Nashville’s modern sound. In addition to writing, James was active in mentoring young musicians and was deeply respected within Music Row’s creative community. According to the FAA, small private aircraft like the Cirrus SR22T are among the most commonly flown in the U.S., and while equipped with advanced safety features including parachute recovery systems accidents still occur.

Aircraft Crashes

Grammy-Winning Nashville Songwriter Brett James Among 3 Dead in Plane Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / September 19, 2025

North Carolina, United States: A small private plane crashed in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Macon County

Helicopter Crash

Lakeville Helicopter Crash Kills Two, Bursts Into Flames, FAA & NTSB Investigating

Aviation Today News Desk / September 8, 2025

Minnesota, United States: In a tragic aviation accident Saturday afternoon, a Robinson R66 helicopter crashed and ignited near Lakeville roughly

Colorado, United States: Two people tragically lost their lives early Friday morning when a small plane crashed just southeast of Centennial Airport in Colorado. The aircraft involved was a Beechcraft BE35, which went down around 6:20–6:25 a.m. in a business park near 8636 South Peoria Street, according to South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The first reports described an explosion, and by the time emergency responders arrived, the plane was engulfed in flames near a bank of diesel-powered generators that were also at risk of igniting. SMFR spokesperson Brian Willie confirmed firefighters were able to douse the fire before it spread to nearby buildings or equipment. Thankfully, no one on the ground was injured. The Douglas County Coroner’s Office will identify the victims once families have been notified. Air traffic control recordings captured by LiveATC.net shed light on the final moments before the crash. The pilot was cleared for takeoff and informed to line up on runway 17R for touch-and-goes. Soon after, another pilot in the area radioed, “Tower, there’s smoke off the left side looks like he went down.”Seconds later, someone added: “Appears he crashed in a parking lot about a mile southeast of the field.” ATC immediately alerted emergency crews. The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation, with the NTSB taking the lead. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the event or who might have video footage from nearby businesses to email eyewitness@ntsb.gov. Operations at Centennial Airport were not disrupted, as the crash occurred off airport property. This marks the second fatal aviation accident in the Denver metropolitan area in under a week. Earlier, a midair collision near Fort Morgan killed one person and injured three others

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed After Small Plane Crashes Near Centennial Airport in Douglas County

Aviation Today News Desk / September 6, 2025

Colorado, United States: Two people tragically lost their lives early Friday morning when a small plane crashed just southeast of

Colorado, United States: A mid-air collision between two small aircraft at Fort Morgan Municipal Airport on Sunday morning left one person dead and three others injured, officials reported. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a Cessna 172 and an Extra Flugzeugbau EA-300 collided while both were on final approach to land at the airport. The Morgan County Sheriff's Office received the first report of the crash at approximately 10:44 a.m. local time. Emergency crews including deputies from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, personnel from the Fort Morgan Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Fort Morgan Fire Department, and Morgan County Ambulance arrived promptly at the scene. The two occupants of the Cessna 172 sustained only minor injuries and were treated on-site. In contrast, one occupant of the EA-300 was taken to a local hospital, while the other was declared dead at the crash site by the Morgan County Coroner’s Office. Following the collision, both aircraft crashed and caught fire. A plume of smoke was visible from afar, and bystanders rushed to help extinguish the flames before first responders arrived. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation, with the NTSB expected to take the lead on determining what caused the crash. In a statement, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to the victim’s family: “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim in this tragic event. We would like to express our gratitude to all the agencies that helped with this situation. Additionally, we want to thank the citizens who assisted in trying to extinguish the fire until the fire department and first responders arrived on the scene.” The crash occurred during a weekend aerobatics competition at the airport involving Metropolitan State University of Denver’s collegiate aerobatics team. University officials clarified that their event was unrelated to the collision. Meanwhile, the airport has been closed temporarily as investigators and emergency teams continue their work.

Aircraft Crashes

1 Dead, 3 Injured in Mid-Air Collision at Colorado’s Fort Morgan Municipal Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / September 1, 2025

Colorado, United States: A mid-air collision between two small aircraft at Fort Morgan Municipal Airport on Sunday morning left one

NTSB probe

Twin-Engine Plane Drops Onto Florida Highway, Struck A Car Leaving One Person Injured

Instructor, Student Feared Dead After Apollo Cessna Crashes In Lake Pontchartrain

3 Killed As Beechcraft Baron Aircraft Crashes In Louisiana; FAA And NTSB Launch Probe

Three Killed As Small Plane Crashes And Bursts Into Flames Near Bath Township

Two Killed as Twin-Engine Plane Crashes Near Fort Worth, Sparks Massive Fire

Grammy-Winning Nashville Songwriter Brett James Among 3 Dead in Plane Crash

Lakeville Helicopter Crash Kills Two, Bursts Into Flames, FAA & NTSB Investigating

Two Killed After Small Plane Crashes Near Centennial Airport in Douglas County

1 Dead, 3 Injured in Mid-Air Collision at Colorado’s Fort Morgan Municipal Airport

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