Two Killed in Fiery Plane Crash Near Hooks Airport

Two people were killed when a small plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Hooks Airport, just south of Tomball, north of Houston, Texas, United States of America, early Sunday afternoon. The twin-engine Cessna 340 carried only the pilot, an older man, and a lone passenger, an older woman.

Crash Details and Cause

According to the Klein Fire Department, the plane had recently refueled at Hooks Airport and departed shortly before the crash. The pilot reported mechanical complications and attempted to return to the airport. However, the aircraft crashed in an open field south of the runway and caught fire, leaving no survivors.

Sgt. Richard Standifer of the Texas Department of Public Safety said the pilot may not have been perfectly aligned with the runway while attempting to land. The plane made contact with the ground before reaching the runway and immediately burst into flames.

Fire and Emergency Response

The crash sparked brush fires in nearby areas, including a tree farm. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that the fires were extinguished within a few hours of the incident. Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene, but both occupants were pronounced dead.

Investigation Underway

Authorities confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the crash. The identities of the pilot and passenger have not been fully disclosed, though it was reported they were en route to Lubbock, Texas, United States.

This tragic accident highlights the dangers of mechanical issues during flight, and authorities are working to determine the precise cause of the crash.