MCKINNEY, Texas — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report detailing the moments leading up to a small plane crash last month in Tarrant County that killed two people.
The crash was reported shortly before 10:30 a.m. June 27 in McKinney, officials said. The Cessna carrying three people crashed into a natural materials site about a mile south of the McKinney National Airport.
The NTSB and witness reports indicate the plane crashed while upside-down.
The pilot and one passenger did not survive. The third victim, Randy Williams, is still recovering at Parkland Hospital with 22 injuries, his siblings told WFAA.
Officials identified the pilot as Michael Lewis of Forney and passenger Gustavo Moreno of Royse City. The pilot's wife, Amanda Lewis, is a former mayor of Forney.
According to the NTSB report, the purpose of the flight was to perform an avionics check flight to be flown by Lewis, and two passengers who were employees of the avionics facility that had installed the avionics to be checked. Moreno and Williams were both aircraft mechanics.
The flight was expected to last 30-45 minutes. The NTSB said there was no record that fuel was obtained for the airplane before the flight.
Shortly after takeoff, the Cessna 414 aircraft reported engine failure, according to the report. The NTSB spoke with a witness who watched the plane roll to the left and upside down before plunging to the ground.
"He said the engine sound from the airplane went from a loud sound to a bogged sound quickly, and it sounded like an engine failure," the report states.
The plane crashed into a gravel mound with its wheels up. The NTSB said The airplane’s landing gear was extended. Video from a witness showed those construction workers rushing to put out the fire after the crash.
"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 Forney Mayor Jason Roberson.
Randy’s family and friends created this GoFundMe to raise money to pay his rent and other expenses while he’s out of work.