Small Plane Crash in Plano Claims Life of Pilot

By Sasha Richie

Tragedy Strikes as Small Private Plane Crashes in Plano

A small private plane tragically crashed in Plano on Tuesday evening, resulting in the death of the pilot. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. and caused a nearby car to catch fire. The sole occupant of the plane, identified as Elzie Monroe McDonald, was killed in the crash. McDonald was just days away from turning 88. The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated an investigation into the crash to determine its cause.

Failed Landing Attempt Leads to Fatal Crash

According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s incident report, the pilot was attempting a go-around, which is an aborted landing attempt. During a go-around, a plane on its final approach decides to ascend instead of landing. This maneuver can be initiated by the pilot or requested by air traffic control due to various reasons, including mechanical issues or runway obstructions. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom and observing the plane’s right wing dip before the crash occurred.

Proximity to Air Park-Dallas Airport Raises Questions

The crash site was located less than a mile from Air Park-Dallas Airport, a small airstrip within Addison Airport’s airspace. Notably, Air Park-Dallas Airport lacks an air traffic control tower. The condition of the airport’s runway has been reported as poor, according to the FAA’s airport database. It remains unclear whether the ill-fated plane was taking off or landing from this particular location.

Details of the Crashed Plane

The plane involved in the crash had the tail number N1204X. Flight Radar 24, a live air traffic tracker, indicated that the aircraft had a scheduled flight departing from Addison Airport, located approximately 4 miles south of the crash site, at 5:45 p.m. The aircraft was identified as a 1963 Mooney M20C, a four-seater, fixed-wing, single-engine plane. FAA records show that the plane is registered to McDonald with a P.O. box address in Aguila, Arizona.

Pilot’s Impressive Aviation Background

Elzie Monroe McDonald, the pilot who tragically lost his life in the crash, had an illustrious aviation career. According to a November 14 article in The Wickenburg Sun, McDonald was a previous recipient of the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This prestigious award recognizes individuals with over 50 years of safe piloting or aircraft operation experience. McDonald’s remarkable achievement highlights his expertise and dedication to aviation safety.

Collaborative Partnership Enhances Community Coverage

This story, originally published in The Dallas Morning News, is reprinted as part of a collaborative partnership between The Dallas Morning News and Texas Metro News. The partnership seeks to boost coverage of Dallas’ communities of color, particularly in southern Dallas.