CANTON, Texas – Last month, a tragic plane crash in Van Zandt County, Texas resulted in the death of 60-year-old Roger D. Turner. The National Transportation Safety Board recently released a preliminary report detailing the events leading to the fatal accident on December 26, 2023.
According to the report, Turner was flying a small plane near Canton when the accident occurred at around 6:13 p.m. A witness reported hearing radio transmissions from Turner, indicating that the plane was west of Thompson Field Airport. Despite the normal radio transmissions, the witness could not confirm whether the plane was properly aligned with the runway from their vantage point.
The small plane ultimately veered off its intended path, striking trees and terrain before crashing into the side of a home. The impact forces destroyed the aircraft, scattering debris across the front yard for about 500 yards. Fortunately, there was no fire despite fuel leaking from the plane, as noted by Senator Bob Hall, who witnessed the aftermath.
The crash site, located approximately 60 miles east of Dallas, is in close proximity to an aviation-oriented community known as Tailwind Airpark. The tragic incident deeply affected the local community and emergency crews who worked diligently to respond to the situation. The report also highlighted various details regarding the condition of the plane’s flight control system and engine at the time of impact.
The aviation community and local authorities continue to mourn the loss of Roger D. Turner, with ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of air travel in the region. The NTSB’s preliminary report sheds light on the sequence of events leading up to the fatal crash, providing valuable insights for aviation professionals and safety regulators.