The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) dedicated their efforts on Friday to meticulously examining the debris of a Cessna aircraft that crashed near McKinney National Airport, seeking insights into the tragic incident that occurred just moments after takeoff.
The crash, which happened around late Thursday morning, involved a Cessna plane that was carrying three individuals and met with disaster a mile south of the airport, reportedly crashing in an inverted position into a site containing natural materials.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) revealed the identities of the two fatalities in the accident as Michael Lewis of Forney, who was piloting the aircraft, and passenger Gustavo Moreno of Royse City. Both families have requested privacy during this difficult time. The third occupant of the plane is currently receiving medical treatment at Parkland Hospital.
Michael Lewis, remembered by many in the community for his extensive involvement in nonprofit endeavors in Forney and its environs, was the husband of Amanda Lewis, a former mayor of the town.
An NTSB agent from its central region has been dispatched to the crash site to lead the federal investigation. The scrutiny of the NTSB will not only focus on the pilot but also on the aircraft and the operational conditions at the time of the accident.
“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,” Jon Kettles, a seasoned attorney with 30 years of experience in representing victims of aircraft crashes, commented. He is not directly involved in this case but highlighted the importance of conducting independent inquiries alongside the NTSB’s efforts.
Kettles pointed out that some insights could be drawn from the condition and location of the wreckage, noting that the aircraft appeared mostly intact and that its landing gear was still extended. “The riskiest part of flying is takeoff where the engine is first being used at full power,” he explained.
The aircraft will be relocated to a secure facility for further examination. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days, but a comprehensive analysis and final report could take anywhere between 12 to 24 months to complete.