Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Authorities responded to a downed plane on the eastern side of Eagle Mountain Lake Monday afternoon.
CBS News helicopter footage showed a white-and-red plane suspended underwater in the lake. The Federal Aviation Administration registry shows the aircraft is a Champion 7EC fixed wing single-engine light airplane. The tail number also identifies the plane as belonging to Stephen Spence of North Richland Hills. A public Facebook profile indicates that Spence works at Lockheed Martin, is a frequent flier of small aircraft and has utilized Flying Oaks Airport on Silver Creek Azle Road in the past.
The Fort Worth Fire Department reported a drowning at the lake at about 12:47 p.m. off 11000 Lakeside Drive in Fort Worth and later divers confirmed the pilot’s body was found inside the plane.
At approximately 5:00 p.m., Tarrant Regional Water District divers returned to the scene with specialized equipment to lift the aircraft and recover the deceased victim. With assistance from other local agencies, the aircraft was lifted and moved to shore. The victim was successfully recovered, and the aircraft was transported to TRWD’s law enforcement office for safekeeping, according to media relations manager Chad Lorance.
The identity of the pilot has not yet been disclosed. Identification of the victim will be confirmed by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Eagle Mountain Fire Department, FWFD, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife and TRWD responded to the scene.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are currently investigating potential causes of the crash. Environmental mitigation measures were taken to prevent any potential contamination resulting from the crash.
At time of publication, the Tri-County Reporter is waiting for a response from Flying Oaks Airport.
