West Texas Plane Crash Triggers Ground Fire

A small plane crashed in a West Texas neighborhood, killing the pilot and a passenger, and causing a large ground fire that injured a woman. Authorities identified the victims and reported that the plane struggled to gain altitude before striking a power line. An investigation is pending.

A small plane crashed in a West Texas neighborhood on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and a passenger, and igniting a significant ground fire that injured a resident. The plane, a Cessna Citation business jet, struggled to gain altitude after taking off from an Odessa airport, ultimately striking a power line before plummeting into an alley, according to authorities. Both occupants of the plane were pronounced dead at the scene.

In a press statement, Ector County Sheriff Mike Griffis noted, "It's obvious the pilot attempted to avoid the houses." The crash led to a couple of explosions that ignited a large fire on the ground.

Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Jason Cotton reported that the fire consumed a couple of mobile homes and some outbuildings in backyards. A woman, who was injured, was rescued from one of the burning mobile homes and transported to a hospital. Additional damage included vehicles, fences, and a local restaurant. The Texas Department of Public Safety identified the victims as Joseph Vincent Summa, 48, and Joleen Cavaretta Weatherly, 49. Federal and national agencies will investigate the incident.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft involved in the accident as a Cessna Citation business jet. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will undertake a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

(With inputs from agencies.)