MCKINNEY, Texas — The National Transportation Safety Board spent Friday combing through the plane wreckage in McKinney hoping to find answers to what caused the crash.
The Cessna carrying three people crashed into a natural materials site Thursday late morning a mile south of the McKinney National Airport and just seconds from takeoff. The NTSB and witness reports indicate the plane crashed while inverted.
Just before noon, DPS identified the two men who died in the crash. DPS identified the pilot as Michael Lewis of Forney and passenger Gustavo Moreno of Royse City. Both families are asking for privacy at this time. A third person is still recovering at Parkland Hospital.
Many tell WFAA that Lewis was heavily involved in nonprofit and mission work in Forney and the surrounding area. His wife, Amanda Lewis, is a former mayor of Forney.
Meanwhile, the NTSB tries to narrow down the cause. The federal agency sent an agent from its central region to the McKinney location.
"It's important in these investigations like this to keep asking why until they get to the root cause. A common mistake is stopping at pilot error," said Jon Kettles who is an attorney who has been representing aircraft crash victims for 30 years. "We have to conduct an independent investigation parallel to the NTSB because we don't even get access to the wreckage until they're finished and release their final report."
Kittles is not involved in this case but says victim's families and their representatives are often in the dark until the NTSB is done with its investigation. But Kittles does say there are things you can glean just from looking at the wreckage and the flight path. He says the plane appears mostly intact. Location of the accident site, proximity to the airport and the fact that the landing gear was still extended are other factors worth noting.
"The riskiest part of flying is takeoff where the engine is first being used at full power," said Kittles.
These NTSB investigations are focused on the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. The plane will be moved to a secure area for further examination. The NTSB will come out with a preliminary report within 30 days but a final report on this accident will take 12 to 24 months.
The City of Forney released the following statement regarding Lewis' death:
"The City of Forney is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Lewis, husband of former Mayor Amanda Lewis. Michael was a dedicated and active member of the Forney community, serving as a philanthropist, Angel Flight pilot (completing over 140 missions), and chaplain at Genesis Center North Texas. His unwavering commitment and impactful contributions to our community will be fondly remembered and greatly missed."
"Michael Lewis was a pillar of our community, whose dedication to service and compassion touched many lives. His legacy and impact on our community will not be forgotten. Our prayers are with the Lewis family during this difficult time," said Mayor Jason Roberson.