Killed in Small Plane Crash in Missoula

WAFB-TV cited FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford as saying on Wednesday that “the plane had trouble shortly after taking off and crashed while trying to return to the field”. The station reports only one person was aboard the plane when it crashed Wednesday afternoon near the airport’s vehicle rental lot.

John Brannen, a senior National Transportation Safety Board investigator, says crews were removing the wreckage Friday. The pilot of the fixed-wing multi-engine Cessna was not identified. Records show that the pilot picked up another passenger in Jackson, Mississippi, before arriving in Hammond.

Thomas said it was unclear if the pilot attempted to call for help. The plane was headed to Atlanta when it crashed.

Various first responders made their way to the crash site.

Federal investigators were scheduled to arrive at Hammond Northshore Regional Airport Thursday to investigate.

Hopkins Airport fire crews are handling the incident.

So far, information is sparse, as local authorities are now on the scene, but it appears more details regarding the fatal accident will be provided today.