The Hale County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a plane crashed Monday at the Hale County Airport with no serious injuries. HCSO, however, said specifics would need to come from the Texas Department of Public Safety which had not released names Monday afternoon.
According to DPS, the pilot sustained minor injuries, and the passenger was unhurt.
“Both were transported by private vehicle to Covenant in Plainview,” said DPS Corporal John Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said the troopers who responded to the scene were released by federal officials. Federal investigators were expected to arrive Tuesday morning.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane crashed under unknown circumstances, and substantial damage occurred.
“The FAA will investigate,” said spokesperson Lynn Lunsford.
With wind gusts in the 40-50 miles per hour range in the area on Monday, the wind presented a plausible reason for the crash.
Stacie Hardage, spokesperson for Rocket Aviation at the airport, corroborated the report that wind may have been responsible.
She declined an interview, but said shortly after take off the wind got hold of the plane. She said both people involved were okay.
It was unclear whether or not the National Transportation Safety Board would investigate as well.
This crash comes almost a year after another crash occurred in strong winds at the Hale County Airport.
Three people died in that crash.
