PLANO, TX – A small aircraft crashed into a shopping center parking lot in Plano, Texas on Tuesday night. The fiery collision tragically resulted in the death of the pilot. The aircraft, carrying only the pilot, crashed near a nail salon and the Mama’s Daughter’s Diner just before 6 pm, according to Plano police.
As investigations into the incident commence, it is reported that no other casualties were recorded. In addition to this, there was also no damage done to the surrounding buildings. The identity of the deceased pilot has been withheld until authorities are able to notify their next of kin.
Video footage of the deadly scene was posted on social media. The video showed significant fire damage to the plane. An unoccupied vehicle that was parked nearby also caught fire due to the crash, confirmed Daniel Daly of Plano Fire-Rescue, though no significant damage to any other property was reported.
While the exact reason behind the crash remains unknown, local news outlet NBC Dallas-Fort Worth suggested that the pilot may have been disoriented before the crash. However, official confirmation is awaited as both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Travel Safety Board are currently carrying out investigations.
The aircraft crashed less than half a mile from the single-runway Airpark-Dallas Airport. However, it hasn’t been confirmed whether the ill-fated plane took off from this location.