Experimental Plane Crashes in Alamo Posted: Jun 03, 2016 12:25 PM EST Updated: Jun 03, 2016 12:25 PM EST
ALAMO – An experimental plane with a 98-year-old pilot crashed in south Alamo.
DPS troopers, EMS crews, and firefighters are at the scene. The first responders checked on the pilot. He only had a slight cut on his wrist.
The pilot was identified as Dick Smith. He told CHANNEL 5 NEWS he built the plane himself and usually flies in the area. Smith said he was in the Navy and has been flying for 70 years.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane is a fixed-wing, single-engine aircraft or an experimental aircraft.
Smith said he made the call to the traffic control just before he crashed in a tree.
“I was in Edinburg playing around, practicing landings and having fun and headed home. The engine quit on the way home,” he said.
DPS Lt. Johnny Hernandez said preliminary information suggests engine failure. They’re waiting for FAA officials to arrive and determine the cause of the crash.
The accident happened on Whalen Road, between Ridge Road and Moore Road.
According to FAA regulations, experimental aircraft certificates are issued to pilots in a few categories such as training, to market surveys and air racing.
“Requirements of the FAA for a pilot’s license with endorsement of commercial pilot. So this is something that is very, very interesting to see a gentlemen or a person, still meeting the basic requirements physically for a commercial pilot’s license,” Emergency Management Coordinator George Garret said.
The FAA added there is no age limit to fly. It all depends on how the person feels and if they have a pilot license.
They are continuing their investigation how the plane crashed.
CHANNEL 5 NEWS will bring you the very latest developments in this story.