Sad news out of Odessa, Texas with the LODD of 29-year-old Lt. Isai Huerta, a 9 year member of Odessa Fire Rescue who was killed while fighting a structure fire yesterday. 
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and our Brothers and Sisters of Odessa Fire Rescue.
May He Rest in Peace...
We start the week with the following stories...
Be safe out there!
Tom
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TX FIREFIGHTER, 29 DIES IN RESIDENTIAL FIRE - LODD (The Secret List)
All,
We regret to pass on that an Odessa (Texas) Firefighter died in the line of duty while operating at a working mobile home fire in Odessa.
Odessa Fire Rescue crews were called out to that residential trailer fire around 1700 Sunday on South Westcliff Road near West Stagecoach Drive.
As members were operating, conditions rapidly deteriorated, leaving 3 Firefighters hurt who were taken to Medical Center Hospital for treatment.
Unfortunately, one of the Firefighters died in the Line of Duty from his injuries. The other two did not sustain life-threatening injuries, but continue receiving care and support.
Officials identified the fallen Firefighter as 29-year-old Lt. Isai Huerta, a member of Odessa Fire Rescue for the past nine years. The other 2 Firefighters have not been identified.
Below is a release from the City of Odessa. Our condolences to all those affected. Rest in peace.
Take care. Be careful. Pass it on.
BillyG
The Secret List 6/14/2026-2229 Hours
City of Osessa, Texas
Odessa Fire Rescue Mourns the Loss of Firefighter Lieutenant Isai Huerta
ODESSA, Texas — Odessa Fire Rescue is mourning the tragic loss of one of its own following a structure fire on Sunday evening.
At 4:59 p.m., Odessa Fire Rescue crews responded to a residential trailer fire in the 1900 block of South Westcliff Road. While firefighters were operating on scene, conditions deteriorated rapidly, resulting in injuries to three firefighters.
All three firefighters were transported to Medical Center Hospital for treatment. Tragically, one firefighter succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
The fallen firefighter has been identified as 29-year-old Lieutenant Isai Huerta, who faithfully served the citizens of Odessa as a member of Odessa Fire Rescue for the past nine years. His next of kin has been notified.
"Isai was a huge part of our organization, a true firefighter," said Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Jason Cotton. "He was always happy, always willing to help, and he truly enjoyed the job. Our department is in need of prayer, guidance, and grace as we navigate moving forward. We grieve alongside Isai's family and ask our community to keep them and our firefighters in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."
Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick added, "Tonight, Odessa has lost a hero. Firefighter Isai Huerta dedicated his life to protecting others, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. On behalf of the City of Odessa, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, his brothers and sisters in the fire service, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We ask our community to join us in keeping them in our prayers as we mourn this heartbreaking loss."
The two other firefighters injured during the incident did not sustain life-threatening injuries and are receiving care and support.
The Texas State Association of Fire Fighters is leading the investigation. Representatives from the International Association of Fire Fighters are also expected to arrive in Odessa tonight to provide additional support.
Odessa Fire Rescue has already begun debriefing personnel and is ensuring first responders have access to all available emotional, mental health, and peer-support resources.
Odessa Fire Rescue will hold a press conference tomorrow to answer questions and provide an update on the investigation.
12 killed in skydiving plane crash Sunday morning in Butler, Missouri
By: Lauren Schwentker , Sam Hartle, Dre Bradley, Ryan Gamboa
BUTLER, Mo. — A federal investigation is underway after a pilot and 11 passengers were killed in a crash of a skydiving plane Sunday morning at the airport in Butler, Missouri.
Bates County, Missouri, Sheriff Chad Anderson said first responders received a 911 call shortly before 11:30 a.m. Sunday that a skydiving plane had crashed just after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport, about 60 miles south of Kansas City.
When crews arrived, they located the plane, a Pacific 
Aerospace 750XL, crashed and on fire on airport property.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said 11 skydivers and one pilot were on board at the time of the crash. There were no survivors.
Witnesses to the plane crash were family members of the occupants who died, according to Anderson.
"Our hearts go out to them," Anderson said. "We just pray for them and their loved ones and their friends and their family."
Anderson said authorities were working Sunday afternoon to contact family members of those who were killed in the crash.
The flight was operated by Skydive Kansas City, which has offered skydiving flights out of the airport for years.
“This is a devastating loss for everyone connected to Skydive Kansas City and for the wider skydiving community,” the company said in a statement Sunday afternoon. “Our deepest sympathies are with the families, friends and loved ones of all who were lost.”
Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration had arrived on the scene as of Sunday afternoon.
A spokesperson with the National Transportation Safety Board said its investigators were set to arrive on Monday. The NTSB will take the lead role in the investigation.
Skydive Kansas City said it is working closely with federal agencies as the investigation continues.
“At this time, the focus of the management and ownership team is to assist investigators and to support the staff and the broader skydiving community,” the company said. “The entire team is in shock, and the community is close-knit.”
Butler Memorial Airport remained closed Sunday afternoon.
What we know about the plane
Federal Aviation Administration records reveal the plane, a fixed-wing, single-engine aircraft built in 2010, is registered to SKYHI AERO LLC based in Jasper, Tennessee.
According to the manufacturer, the aircraft can be specially configured for skydiving purposes. When configured, it can carry up to 17 skydivers or six tandem teams.
FAA records show that the aircraft's current certificate had been issued in January 2023 and was set to expire in January 2030.
Flight-tracking service FlightAware shows the aircraft had made at least two other flights Sunday morning before the crash. It had also made two flights from the airport Saturday night, June 13.
An NTSB spokesperson said the aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 skydiving flight.
The Bates County Sheriff described the plane involved in Sunday's crash as a "local airplane," not a commercial airline.
Conditions at the time of the crash
Weather observations taken near Butler Memorial Airport show clear skies were reported in the area at the time of the crash, with temperatures in the low 70s. Winds were generally out of the north at around 10 miles per hour with gusts between 10 and 20 miles per hour.
An FAA spokesperson said air traffic control services were not being provided at the airport at the time of the crash.
Status of the investigation
As first responders continue work to recover bodies from the wreckage and notify next of kin, federal agencies are set to arrive and take over the investigation, which is standard in such crashes.
An NTSB spokesperson said that once investigators are on scene, they will begin documenting the scene and examining the aircraft.
Investigators will request radar data, weather information, aircraft maintenance records, and the pilot's medical records. They'll use this information to compile a preliminary report focused on factual information related to the crash. That report is typically available within 30 days.
A final report, which could take 12-24 months, will focus on the probable cause of the crash, along with any contributing factors.
https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/authorities-respond-to-deadly-plane-crash-near-butler-missouri
A power bank carried by a passenger on Tianjin Airlines flight GS7829 spontaneously combusted!
[Civil Aviation News] On June 15, 2026, Tianjin Airlines flight GS7829 (Tianjin Binhai International Airport → Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport) took off at
06:49 Beijing time, scheduled to arrive in Jieyang at 09:17 , operated by an Airbus A320 . During the flight, a power bank carried by a passenger in the cabin suddenly started smoking and then spontaneously combusted . The crew quickly handled the situation according to the emergency plan, and the aircraft eventually landed normally . The incident did not cause any injuries , nor did it lead to any flight diversion, return, or delay .
According to information posted on social media by passengers and videos circulating online, there was noticeable smoke in the cabin at the time of the incident . Flight attendants were seen using fire extinguishers to extinguish a smoking power bank in the area in front of the passengers . Smoke marks were visible on the seats , consistent with the characteristics of a lithium battery fire. Several passengers mentioned that the crew continuously reassured passengers throughout the incident, and emergency rescue teams were on standby near the aircraft after landing. Apart from some discomfort from inhaling a small amount of smoke, everyone was generally safe. 
Public flight data platform information shows that the flight trajectory and time of GS7829 on that day were consistent with "normal landing": 06:49 Tianjin Binhai departure - 09:17 arrival in Jieshan .
The civil aviation industry has mature procedures for handling fires involving lithium batteries/power banks on board: portable fire extinguishers are typically used to control external flames , and the lithium batteries themselves are continuously cooled/immersed to prevent reignition; meanwhile, the cabin must maintain ventilation and zone control. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has clear restrictions on power banks carried by passengers— power banks with a rated energy of ≤100Wh are allowed (generally without approval), 100–160Wh require airline approval, and >160Wh are prohibited; they are strictly prohibited from being checked in; power banks must not be used for charging throughout the flight and must be kept switched off ; since 2025, the prohibition on power banks without CCC markings, with unclear markings, or from recalled batches has been strengthened.
Friendly reminder: Passengers should use compliant and clearly marked power banks and avoid being pressured, heated, or accidentally activated in confined spaces. If any abnormalities are found, report them to the crew immediately. Do not stuff them into seat gaps or cover them with clothing .
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/fclq7NUK_X4FSU9YrU2yyw
Small plane loses power after takeoff, crashes at Florida Airport
by: Brianna Leonard
KEY WEST, Fla. (WFLA) — Two people are recovering after a small plane crashed at Key West Airport Sunday afternoon.
According to the Monroe County Fire Rescue, the aircraft lost power at about 200 feet after takeoff.
MCFR said the plane landed in the mangroves on the east side of the runway at least 100 feet from the airport.
Crews responded and removed the pilot and passenger from the plane. The two were the only people on board and walked away with minor injuries, firefighters said.
https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/small-plane-loses-power-after-takeoff-crashes-at-florida-airport/
4 hospitalized after helicopter crashes at North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines
According to Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue, crews responded to the airport after receiving reports of a crash.
By NBC6 and Valerie Ryan
Four people were taken to the hospital on Saturday after a helicopter crashed at North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, fire officials said. 
According to Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue, crews responded to the airport after receiving reports of a crash.
At the airport, crews found the helicopter that sustained moderate damage.
Officials said the pilot and the passengers on board were out of the helicopter when they arrived.
All four people on board were taken to the Memorial Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and were in stable condition.
Pembroke Pines Police assisted fire rescue crews.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the helicopter, a Robinson R44, crashed while it was departing the airport.
The helicopter rolled over and hit a parked airplane, authorities said.
“I was walking over to my car, and when I was walking back to the hangar, pretty much the helicopter had taken off, I'd say 20 maybe 30 feet off the ground, and then it tipped over,” said Daniel Sayu, a witness.
Two sources who work at the airport told NBC6 that the pilot involved works for Sky Helicopter Tours.
The helicopter involved in the crash appeared to match the color scheme and model of aircraft featured on the company's website.
Records reviewed by NBC6 also show the pilot's name is associated with the company.
NBC6 reached out to the owner of the company, but he declined to comment and said he is currently in the hospital.
In May, a small plane with two people on board crashed near North Perry Airport.
The two on board were "conscious and breathing," and no other injuries were reported.
The FAA will investigate the crash.
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/4-hospitalized-after-helicopter-crashes-at-north-perry-airport-in-pembroke-pines-fire-rescue-says/3820471/
1 dead after small plane crashes into field near Twin Oaks Airpark in Hillsboro
by KATU Staff
HILLSBORO, Ore. — Officials confirmed one person was killed when a small two-seater plane crashed into a field near the Twin Oaks Airpark in Hillsboro, Oregon on Friday evening. 
According to Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, witnesses said the plane crashed into a grassy field during takeoff.
According to the the National Transportation Safety Board, the airplane was an experimental Lancair 235.
There were no other reports of injuries or deaths.
The crash sparked a grass fire that then spread to a nearby field.
Firefighters sent to the scene reported seeing a large column of black smoke rising into the air in the distance, according to TVF&R. When crews arrived at the crash site, the fire was beginning to diminish. They quickly put out the remaining pockets of fire and found the plane's only occupant dead.
Lt. Marcus Koss, with TVF&R, said the challenges for first responders in this crash is comparable to responding to a car crash.
"This is very similar to a car crash in terms of the type of materials that are involved," Koss said. "Typically, there's a little more heat involved, because it is a highly flammable fuel, and of course our biggest concern is around the spread, especially as we move into these summer months. Firefighters were able to make a quick response and contain it to just the aircraft."
The airpark is along Southwest River Road outside of Hillsboro in Washington County. Flights in and out of the airpark were canceled the rest of Friday.
"This airport has a good safety record," Koss said. "We don't have very many incidents that are out here. It appears to be an isolated incident related to this particular airport."
Investigators with the Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB have been called to the scene to take over the investigation.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
The Twin Oaks Airpark is home to flight training programs. KATU reached out to the airpark and has not heard back.
5 IAF personnel killed as AN-32 aircraft crashes while landing in Assam’s Jorhat
Sources said the aircraft took off around 10 am on a routine sortie, but requested a landing. During this process, it veered off the runway and broke into two pieces before catching fire.
Written by: Amrita Nayak Dutta
By: New Delhi
Five Indian Air Force personnel, including two officers, were killed Saturday when an Antonov AN-32 transport aircraft crashed during landing at Jorhat in Assam.
Of the six personnel on board, one was rescued and his condition was said to be serious. 
The IAF identified the five dead personnel as Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh, Flt Lt Shubham Kumar, Sgt Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam. A Court of Inquiry (CoI) is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.
In a post on X, the IAF said it deeply regrets the loss of five personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
“IAF extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and stands firmly with them in this hour of grief,” it said.
According to sources, the aircraft took off around 10 am on a sortie from Jorhat to Chabua. The crew, it is learnt, sought a landing soon after takeoff. Upon landing, it veered off the runway, crossed the parallel taxiway, and broke into pieces before catching fire. Rescue efforts with fire tenders and ambulances were launched immediately.
Sources indicated that the aircraft belonged to the IAF’s 43 Squadron and had undergone an overhaul and upgrade in recent years as part of the modernisation programme for AN-32s.Story continues below this ad
In a separate post on X earlier, the IAF said that the accident took place during a routine sortie in Jorhat. “Crash site management and initial enquiries are on at this time,” it said.
This is the third major crash of an AN-32 in the last 10 years. Bought in 1984 from the erstwhile Soviet Union, the AN-32 is a critical workhorse of the IAF. At least two of these aircraft have crashed since 2016, killing 42 IAF personnel.
On July 22, 2016, an AN-32 went missing over the Bay of Bengal, flying from Tambaram Air Force Station, Chennai, to Port Blair. There were 29 people on board.
On June 3, 2019, an AN-32 crashed in hilly terrain when it was heading to Mechuka in West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, near the border with China, killing 13 on board.
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The AN-32 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft, and the IAF has employed it as a tactical transport aircraft since its induction into the force.
The aircraft can carry a maximum weight of 27 tons at a maximum speed of 530 km/h. It can carry up to 6.7 tons of cargo or 50 passengers, making it the preferred choice for transport of men and cargo across different terrain.
It can cover small to medium ranges and can operate from far-flung airfields with minimum ground infrastructure, thus enabling it to play critical roles during a conflict, especially in the mobilisation of men and material and with its limited bombing role. The aircraft is also used for paradropping operations.
During the Kargil conflict with Pakistan in 1999 and in Operation Parakram in 2001-02, the aircraft played a critical role in transporting personnel and cargo to border areas through multiple sorties.
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After an AN-32 crashed in 2009, India signed a USD 400-million contract with Ukrainian manufacturer Antonov to upgrade most of the IAF’s 105 AN-32s through the overhaul of their airframes and turboprop engines. The programme also involved fitting the platforms with advanced avionics, navigation and communication equipment.
But the programme got stalled after Russia formally annexed the Crimea region in 2014. Subsequently, India and Ukraine agreed to resume the upgrades, with Kyiv having developed some alternatives to the Russian-made systems on the aircraft.
The upgrade had been underway at the IAF’s base repair depot (BRD) in Kanpur, with equipment transferred from Ukraine. Half of the aircraft have been modernised in Ukraine and around 38 aircraft were upgraded at the BRD.
The IAF has been looking to buy new aircraft under the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme to replace the ageing AN-32 and the Ilyushin Il-76 fleets. In March this year, the Ministry of Defence said the induction of the MTA will meet the strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements of the Services.
SriLankan Airlines responds after reports of engine lightning strike on Sydney flight
NEWSWIRE
SriLankan Airlines has issued a statement on an incident involving its Sydney‑bound flight UL606, which departed Colombo early today (12) and was forced to return to the Katunayake Airport (BIA) due to adverse weather conditions. 
Earlier today, reports stated that the flight was forced to make an emergency landing at the Katunayake Airport after it experienced a lightning strike on one of its engines shortly after departure.
Issuing a statement, the airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely with 207 passengers and 16 crew members on board, soon after the incident.
SriLankan Airlines further said that the flight later departed at 05:51 am using a replacement aircraft and continued its journey to Sydney.
The airline emphasised that the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew remain its highest priority, adding that it will continue to take all necessary measures to uphold the highest standards of safety across its operations.
NYC pilot, passenger rescued after wave slams seaplane near Throggs Neck Bridge
By Tina Moore and Georgett Roberts
A seaplane pilot and his passenger had to be rescued from the East River Saturday in Queens after their craft briefly took off — but then crashed after it was struck by a wave which cracked the windshield, the pilot and authorities said. 
The aircraft was near Riverside Drive and 158th St. in Whitestone, near the Throggs Neck Bridge, when the incident happened around 9:20 a.m., an FDNY spokesman said.
A private boater who was nearby rescued the two people, who were not seriously hurt, from the plane, officials said.
“I was taking off and I hit a big wave and the windshield cracked open … and it took on water,” pilot Giuseppe Oppedisano, who had a white bandage wrapped around his elbow, told The Post. “That’s it. Everything is fine.”
Oppedisano, 67, owns the popular Il Bacco restaurant in Little Neck, Queens, and is the same pilot who was at the controls in October 2020 during a fatal crash that killed a woman and left three others hurt.
During that crash six years ago, witnesses said the plane was traveling fast along the water when it hit a pier, cracking the plane in two, according to officials.
A National Transportation Safety Board investigation listed poor pilot judgment as the cause of the tragedy.
Oppedisano was left in critical condition after that crash and had to undergo 10 surgeries.
He lives near the spot where his plane crashed and keeps the craft in a hangar behind his Riverside Drive mansion, officials previously said.
His airplane was towed back to shore and then taken to his home.
Oppedisano later said he was on his way to have lunch with a friend on Block Island when the incident happened.
“The window is broken so I just got out,” he recalled later at his home. “I have a life jacket on and I called 911 and they came right away.”
He suffered “a little scratch on my arm” from the broken glass, he said.
“Of course, I’m still going to be flying,” he said.
“This was a freak accident,” he said. “The last one was a freak accident, too, because as I am landing in the water a boat jumped in front of me.”
He explained the Cessna he was flying when the fatal crash happened was heavier and would have blown up if he hit the boat.
His seaplane was towed from the site but he’s planning to purchase a new one.
“I’ve got to get another plane,” he said. “That one is gone. There’s a lot of damage.”
Additional reporting Trista Panagakos and Brigitte Stelzer
Wildfire ignites after military aircraft crash near Rimrock Lake
by KOMO News Staff
WENATCHEE, Wash. — A military aircraft crashed near
Rimrock Lake on Saturday, sparking a wildfire that prompted a response from local and federal firefighting agencies.
The pilot safely escaped from the aircraft before the crash and was transported to a hospital, according to Naches Fire.
The aircraft involved was an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, according to U.S. Marine Corps Station Miramar.
In a statement, the Marine Corps said, "The cause of the mishap is currently under investigation. To preserve the integrity of the investigation, no additional details are available at this time. Mishap investigations can take several months to complete, depending on various factors."
The crash ignited a wildfire in the area that firefighters are actively working to suppress.
The 1200 Rd system on the south side of Rimrock is
closed, and campers are currently being evacuated out of the area by multiple law enforcement agencies, Naches fire officials said.
The area should be avoided until further notice.
Helicopters and at least one engine from the U.S. Forest Service's Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are involved in firefighting operations.
Naches Fire units completed structure protection efforts near the Bear Creek cabins before clearing the scene.
A department water tender will remain at the fire through the afternoon and is expected to return Sunday morning to assist with mop-up operations.
No additional information about the aircraft, the pilot's condition, or the size of the fire was immediately available.
https://komonews.com/news/local/fighter-jet-crash-naches-washington-state-rimrock-lake-wildfire-us-forest-service-okanogan-wenatchee-national-forest-cabins-military-aircraft-crash-bear-creek
NTSB Final Report: Lockheed 12
During The Landing Roll, The Right Brake Pedal Became Ineffective
Location: Jackson, Georgia Accident Number: ERA24FA266
Date & Time: June 17, 2024, 19:49 Local Registration: N2072
Aircraft: Lockheed 12 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power) Injuries: 3 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Analysis: The pilot stated that, 10 days before the accident, the tailwheel-equipped airplane underwent maintenance on the right main landing gear strut, which required disconnection and subsequent reinstallation of the right brake line. Following the maintenance of the strut, the brake system was serviced and no anomalies or leaks were observed.
The pilot reported that the preflight inspection, engine run-up, and flight were uneventful; however, during the landing roll, the right brake pedal became ineffective. The airplane then veered left, departed the runway, and subsequently impacted a tree. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right brake line fitting had loosened near a section of the landing gear assembly that flexed during gear movement. The brake line B-nut fitting was found finger-tight, and hydraulic fluid residue was observed on and around the B-nut fitting mount, consistent with hydraulic fluid leakage.
Because the airplane required differential braking for directional control during ground operations, the ineffective right brake limited the pilot’s ability to maintain directional control, resulting in a runway excursion during the landing roll.
Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the right brake line, which resulted in a loss of right brake effectiveness during the landing roll and a subsequent runway excursion.
FMI: www.ntsb.gov
NTSB Prelim: Glider Pitched Up, Causing Towplane To Nose Down, Crash
Towplane Pilot Was Killed When Piper PA-25-235 Hit Runway In Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a preliminary report on the fatal crash of a glider towplane at Saratoga County Airport May 26.
The NTSB report says that surveillance video showed that shortly after liftoff, at an altitude of about 200 ft, the glider pitched up and climbed above the towplane, pulling the tail of the towplane up and pitching its nose down.
The glider pilot reported that he made several attempts to release before successfully separating from the towplane. The towplane did not recover from the upset, and subsequently hit the runway. A post-crash fire ensued.
The pilot of the towplane, identified as 58-year-old James Stewart of Caroga Lake, was badly injured in the fiery crash. He was taken to Saratoga Hospital with severe burn injuries and later transferred to Albany Medical Center, where he died on May 26.
The glider returned to the airport and landed uneventfully. The towplane crashed about 50 feet right of the runway centerline in a nose-down attitude and came to rest about 1,000 feet from the departure end of the runway.
The tow rope was located about 25 feet before the initial impact point. It measured about 195 feet in length and was constructed of twisted polypropylene. The weak link and metal rings remained intact and thermal damage was noted at both ends of the rope. Functional testing in the field confirmed that the tow rope latch mechanisms on both the glider and towplane were operational. Both aircraft were retained for further examination.
FMI: www.ntsb.gov
NTSB Prelim: Fokker DR1 Replica
Airplane Reappeared Very Low Over The Trees Headed West-Northwest, Pitched Up Slightly, Stalled, And Made About One And A Half Rotations
Location: Frankston, TX Accident Number: CEN26FA197
Date & Time: May 26, 2026, 08:10 Local Registration: N54517
Aircraft: Fokker DR1 Replica Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
On May 26, 2026, about 0810 central daylight time, an experimental Fokker DR1 airplane, N54517, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Frankston, Texas. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
A witness and friend of the pilot, who observed the entire accident flight, was standing near the middle of the runway as the pilot taxied to the west end of the runway to begin the takeoff roll. He stated that this was the pilot’s first flight in the airplane. The takeoff was normal, but the airplane did not appear to climb well, and the pilot made an early right turn toward south and entered the traffic pattern. The airplane continued on the downwind leg at a low altitude, about 400 ft agl or less. The airplane then made a low west to east pass over the runway, which was recorded on video by another witness. The airplane then slowly climbed out and made another low and slow turn toward the south. The airplane remained low enough that his view was obstructed by trees on the south side of the runway. The airplane reappeared very low over the trees headed west-northwest, pitched up slightly, stalled, and made about one and a half rotations before it impacted the runway and exploded.
A nearby doorbell camera, about 350 ft south of the accident site, recorded the sound of the engine during the accident flight. During the first lap in the pattern, the engine was operating and there were no audible anomalies noted. A few seconds before the accident occurred, the engine was operating and there were no audible anomalies noted; however, immediately before the sound of the impact, the engine sound decreased significantly. Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane came to rest upright facing east and a postimpact fire consumed a majority of the fuselage and cockpit. The wings remained relatively intact with thermal and impact damage. The wing bracing wires remained intact with the hardware installed. The empennage remained intact and was distorted to the right. The aileron control cables remained attached to the aileron surfaces and were continuous to the control stick attachment hardware. The elevator control cables remained attached to the elevator surfaces on the tail and were continuous to the control stick attachment hardware.
The rudder cables remained attached to the rudder surface and tailwheel and were continuous to the rudder pedals. The throttle and mixture levers were found full forward on the power quadrant. The mixture cable and attachment hardware remained attached to the lever. The mixture cable was continuous through the firewall and up to the throttle body where it was found separated. The throttle cable threaded rod end, which connected to the throttle lever clevis, was fractured. The throttle cable was continuous from the threaded rod, through the firewall, and remained attached to the throttle body. The throttle Bowden cable consisted of a twisted/stranded inner wire, and a spiral wrapped outer sheath and metal jackets. The throttle body injector (TBI) was separated from the engine and the throttle mount plate was separated and not located.
However, there were remnants of melted aluminum under the plate’s attachment screws. The throttle slide was found in a fully closed position; the slide was difficult to move due to damage to the TBI case. The spray bar remained installed and was positioned such that the holes were pointing 90° from the air inlet. The external fuel regulator sustained thermal damage.
The engine was separated from the engine mounts and was resting near the front of the airplane. The engine remained intact with thermal and impact damage. The cylinders were intact with no signs of cracking or other catastrophic damage. The propeller was pulled through multiple times with no signs of engine binding. Seven of the nine cylinders produced suction and compression during the engine rotation. The two remaining cylinders had open valves due to push rod damage. The accessories on the rear of the engine sustained thermal damage. One of the wooden propeller blades sustained impact damage and was shattered.
The other blade remained attached to the propeller hub with minimal damage and significant thermal damage on the blade face.
FMI: www.ntsb.gov
Today in History
54 Years ago today: On 15 June 1972 Cathay Pacific Airways flight 700Z, a Convair CV-880, crashed in Vietnam following the detonation of a high explosive device within the passenger cabin, killing all 81 occupants.
| Date: | Thursday 15 June 1972 |
| Time: | 13:59 |
| Type: | Convair CV-880-22M-21 |
| Owner/operator: | Cathay Pacific Airways |
| Registration: | VR-HFZ |
| MSN: | 22-7-1-53 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1961 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 29434 hours |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 81 / Occupants: 81 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed, written off |
| Category: | Unlawful Interference |
| Location: | 55 km SE of Pleiku - Vietnam |
| Phase: | En route |
| Nature: | Passenger - Scheduled |
| Departure airport: | Bangkok-Don Muang International Airport (BKK/VTBD) |
| Destination airport: | Hong Kong-Kai Tak International Airport (HKG/VHHH) |
| Confidence Rating: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
Narrative:
Cathay Pacific Airways flight 700Z, a Convair CV-880, crashed in Vietnam following the detonation of a high explosive device within the passenger cabin, killing all 81 occupants.
Flight CX 700Z took off from Bangkok (BKK) at 04:55 UTC bound for Hong Kong (HKG). The flight proceeded normally along airway Green 67 at a cruise altitude of FL290, maintaining routine radio contact first with Bangkok ACC and from 05:42 with Saigon ACC. At 05:59 a high explosive device detonated within the passenger cabin centre section area. Some passengers' seats were ejected through a hole in the fuselage. Portions of the fuselage and possibly some seats struck the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, causing severe damage. Simultaneously the floor of the cabin, centre fuselage section, and starboard wing root were disrupted. The CV-880 lost control, entered a high-speed descent and broke up. The aircraft crashed in a jungle area, lightly wooded with small trees.
It appeared that the explosive device was hidden in a suitcase under a passenger seat on the right side near the wing. A police officer whose fiancée and daughter were aboard was charged with the crime.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The aircraft broke up in the air and caught fire following the detonation of a high explosive device within the passenger cabin."
