Two killed in West Texas plane crash that set off a fire and injured a woman

ODESSA, Texas (AP) — A small aircraft crashed in a West Texas neighborhood Tuesday, killing the pilot and a passenger and setting off a big fireplace on the bottom that injured a lady, authorities mentioned.

Witnesses mentioned the aircraft struggled to achieve altitude after taking off from an Odessa airport after which struck an influence line earlier than crashing in an alley at about 7 a.m., in response to authorities. Each individuals aboard the aircraft died.

“It’s apparent the pilot tried to keep away from the homes,” Ector County Sheriff Mike Griffis mentioned.

The massive fireplace on the bottom got here after a few explosions after the aircraft crash, he mentioned.

Along with a few cell houses, some outbuildings in backyards additionally caught on fireplace, mentioned Odessa Hearth Rescue Chief Jason Cotton. The lady who was injured needed to be rescued from one of many burning cell houses and was taken to a hospital, he mentioned. There was additionally injury to autos, fences and a restaurant within the metropolis of about 114,000.

The Texas Division of Public Security recognized the pilot as Joseph Vincent Summa, 48, of the Houston suburb of Bellaire, and the passenger as Joleen Cavaretta Weatherly, 49, of Orange, which is east of Houston.

The Federal Aviation Administration mentioned the aircraft was a Cessna Quotation enterprise jet. The FAA and the Nationwide Transportation Security Board will examine.