BEAUMONT, Texas — A small aircraft made a hard landing Friday night in Beaumont, leaving two people injured, according to a news release from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
DPS Troopers responded to a call about an airplane crash Friday around 7:15 p.m. at the Beaumont Municipal Airport at 4055 Keith Road.
The airplane, identified as a Super Decathlon, crashed into a ditch with the front end of the aircraft while attempting to land.
DPS Lt. Chuck Havard told 12News this type of incident is rare.
The crash caused moderate damage to the front end and right wing of the plane, according to Havard.
The pilot has been identified as 41-year-old Cory Hayes, of Beaumont. The passenger has been identified as Brandon Bridges, 44, of Orange. They were both taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital.
Hayes suffered a leg injury, and Bridges sustained minor injuries, according to a DPS spokesperson. They’re both expected to be OK.
The reason for the crash is unknown and under investigation.
"At this point, since it does involve an aircraft, Department of Public Safety will take over security of the scene and they'll contact the FAA of course -- the Federal Aviation Administration -- since it does involve an aircraft, and they'll do their part," said Scott Wheat, District Chief of Beaumont Fire Rescue.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
Full news release from DPS...
JEFFERSON COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to an airplane crash on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the Beaumont Municipal Airport.
At approximately 7:15 p.m., an airplane, identified as a Super Decathlon, for an unknown reason, crashed at the Beaumont Municipal Airport while attempting to land.
The pilot, Cory Hayes, 41, of Beaumont, and his passenger, Brandon Bridges, 44, of Orange were transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital with reported non-life threatening injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration has been contacted and will conduct the investigation.
This crash remains under investigation, no additional information at this time.