The left engine of a plane that crashed in McKinney last month, killing two people aboard, failed during a flight meant to test avionics equipment in the twin-engined plane, according to a preliminary report by federal aviation officials.
The National Transportation Safety Board report released Wednesday reveals details about the circumstances of the June 27 crash. The pilot, along with two employees from the facility that installed the equipment, planned to fly for 30 to 45 minutes to perform maneuvers using the flight instruments then return to McKinney National Airport.
But the plane — a Cessna 414 — crashed into a construction site shortly after takeoff. The pilot, Michael Lewis, 67, and one of the passengers, Gustavo Moreno, 53, died in the crash. The third passenger, Randy Williams, suffered “serious injuries” and remained hospitalized Thursday.
The NTSB investigates transportation-related mishaps and makes recommendations to improve safety. The board’s findings in the early report, which does not assign a probable cause to the crash, are subject to change. A final report generally takes between 12 and 24 months to complete.
Shortly after takeoff, the plane “lost its left engine,” according to the report. A witness nearby who heard the takeoff told investigators that the engine sound went from “a loud sound to a bogged sound quickly” — which the witness likened to the sounds of an engine failure.
The witness ran outside and saw the plane in a left yaw with its landing gear extended. He saw the plane get “slow and began to turn left when it got really slow” before rolling left and upside down and diving into the ground, according to the report. The plane then crashed into a gravel mound near Farm to Market Road 546 and County Road 317.
The probable cause of the crash has yet to be determined. Responding to questions about the investigation, Peter C. Knudson, an NTSB spokesperson, said, “In short, I don’t have anything beyond what’s in the prelim report to release.”
Lewis, a Forney resident, completed more than 140 angel flights, during which he volunteered to transport people in need and was a chaplain at Genesis Center North Texas, a faith-based nonprofit serving women recovering from domestic abuse, homelessness and addiction. He is the husband of Amanda Lewis, a former Forney mayor.
“Michael Lewis was a pillar of our community, whose dedication to service and compassion touched many lives. His legacy and impact on our community will not be forgotten. Our prayers are with the Lewis family during this difficult time,” Forney Mayor Jason Roberson said in a statement.
A GoFundMe set up for Williams raised more than $6,500 by Thursday afternoon. In a July 1 update, his sister Lauren Chaffee published a list of nearly two dozen injuries identified by doctors, including a variety of bone fractures. The update included a list of “miracle milestones” in his recovery, including that he could breathe on his own and was working on talking.
“We couldn’t be more grateful for all of the love and support we have received,” Chaffee said in the update. “It truly is a miracle he is still with us today.”
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