Pilot of experimental aircraft killed in crash near Spinks Airport
Multiple emergency responders were called to the scene of an aircraft today at around 2:30pm this afternoon.
According to radio transmissions from the Spinks air traffic control tower, the pilot of the experimental aircraft indicated he was unable to gain altitude in his aircraft and started his return to the airport. The tower notified the pilot of smoke coming from the aircraft’s engine. The pilot was attempting to land at Spinks after the in-flight emergency when he crashed about a half mile south of the airport.
Burleson firefighters, Medstar paramedics, and multiple police agencies were all dispatched to the scene. They located one airplane upside down in a parking lot at 605 E. Renfro Street. Paramedics pronounced the pilot of the plane deceased on the scene. There were no other occupants.
Aircraft information indicates the pilot and aircraft were registered out of Burleson. The plane was identified as an experimental aircraft called a Sonex.
The National Transportation Safety Board will be leading the investigation into the crash.
