Travel
On November 21, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Plano, Texas, when a single-engine Mooney M20C plane crashed into a shopping center parking lot, resulting in the death of the pilot, 87-year-old Elzie Monroe McDonald. The crash happened near Mama's Daughters' Diner, located at 6509 W. Park Blvd., just before 6:00 p.m. local time56.
Background and Circumstances of the Crash
McDonald, an experienced pilot from Aguila, Arizona, was flying to visit his family in Plano for the Thanksgiving holiday. He had completed this flight numerous times before and was well-known for his passion for flying, having started in the 1950s6. The plane was registered to McDonald since 20061.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that McDonald attempted to land at Air Park-Dallas Airport, a small airstrip nearby, but decided to perform a "go-around" maneuver, which typically indicates a problem with the landing approach14. During this maneuver, witnesses observed the plane's left wing dip sharply toward the ground, leading to a near-vertical descent into the parking lot34.
Impact and Response
The crash resulted in a significant fire that engulfed the plane and an unoccupied van parked nearby. Surveillance footage from Mama's Daughters' Diner captured the intense flames and the swift evacuation of customers15. Despite the proximity to nearby businesses, no other injuries were reported, and the diner and a neighboring nail salon did not sustain any damage12.
Investigation
The NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the investigation into the crash. The preliminary report highlighted the unusual wing movement during the go-around, but the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation34. Investigators are examining flight data, weather conditions, and the pilot's history to determine the factors that contributed to the accident6.
Conclusion
The fatal plane crash in Plano serves as a reminder of the risks associated with aviation and the importance of thorough investigations to ensure safety in the skies. As the investigation continues, it is crucial to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic event to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Sources:
Fox 4 News - NTSB report details what led to fatal Plano plane crash
CBS News - NTSB continues investigation into deadly Plano plane crash
CBS News - Initial findings from fiery, deadly plane crash in Plano released
NBC DFW - Preliminary NTSB report confirms wing dipped in fatal Plano plane crash
Dallas News - Plano plane crash: Officials respond to downed aircraft
NBC DFW - One dead after plane crashed in Plano shopping center parking lot