The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating a tragic plane crash that occurred on Monday over Galveston Bay, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals, including a child. The aircraft involved, a Beech King Air 350i, was on a medical support mission affiliated with the Michou and Mau Foundation and operated by the Secretariat of the Navy of Mexico.
Emergency responders were alerted around 3:20 p.m. to an aircraft downed west of the Galveston Causeway, where several passengers were reported in the water. Among the eight people on board, two managed to survive the incident.
Investigation Details
The NTSB has outlined its initial steps, starting with the recovery of the aircraft from the bay, a process expected to take a week or more. Once the wreckage is retrieved, it will be transported to a secure facility for a thorough examination by NTSB investigators.
As part of the investigation, officials will collect various records and data, including:
- Flight track data
- Recordings from air traffic control communications
- Aircraft maintenance logs
- Weather reports and actual conditions at the time of the crash
- The pilot’s license, qualifications, and recent flight experience
- A 72-hour background check on the pilot to identify any potential issues affecting their performance
- Electronic devices that may contain relevant information
Incident Overview
The Mexican Navy confirmed that the plane was engaged in a medical support mission, transporting a child patient with burn injuries among the passengers. Of the eight individuals aboard, officials have confirmed that at least five have died, while one crew member remains missing and is presumed dead. Two survivors, including a companion of the child patient and a nurse, were rescued from the wreckage.
Witness Accounts
Eyewitness Sky Decker shared his experience after he and his son came across the crash site. They were on a boat ride when they heard the news and attempted to assist. Decker mentioned that when he reached the wreckage, he was surprised to find a survivor among the debris. He helped rescue a woman who was in significant pain and asking about the child onboard.
Describing the scene, Decker noted, “It was horrific. Luckily, the plane crashed in shallow water, which prevented it from being fully submerged. There was just enough of the plane above water for the survivor to breathe. She fought for her life.” His son, Sky Vaughn Decker, expressed his intention to capture footage to aid the police.
Statements from the Michou and Mau Foundation
In the wake of this tragedy, the Michou and Mau Foundation released a statement expressing their condolences and solidarity with the affected families. They emphasized their commitment to providing compassionate care for children suffering from burn injuries.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the victims. The situation continues to develop as the NTSB and other officials work to gather more information.
