One dead, NTSB investigation underway in plane crash in Acadia Parish

Federal officials are investigating a plane crash that killed one person near Church Point on Tuesday.

An NTSB spokesman confirmed that the agency is investigating the crash of a Rans S12S that occurred around 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday.

An NTSB investigator is en route to the scene and is expected to arrive this evening. Once on scene, the investigator begins documenting the crime scene and examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be taken to a secure facility for further examination, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed one person died but had no further information to release.

The NTSB is asking anyone who witnessed the accident or who may have surveillance video or other information that may be relevant to the investigation to contact the NTSB at [email protected].

Here are some details from NTSB on how the investigation unfolded:

During the on-site phase of the investigation, the NTSB is neither determining nor speculating on the cause of the accident.

The NTSB has no role in disclosing the identities of accident victims and/or the extent and number of injuries, nor does it disclose the identities of those injured or killed; This is done by the local authorities.

NTSB investigations cover three main areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. As part of this process, investigators will collect the following information and records:

• Records of all air traffic control communications

• Aircraft maintenance records

• Weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions around the time of the accident

• Pilot license, ratings and current flying experience

• 72-hour pilot background to determine whether there were any problems that may have affected the pilot’s ability to safely conduct the flight

• Electronic devices that may contain information relevant to the investigation

• All available surveillance videos, including from doorbell cameras

During the on-site phase of the investigation, the NTSB is neither determining nor speculating on the cause of the accident.
A preliminary report will be available within 30 days. The preliminary report contains factual information collected during the initial phase of the investigation. A probable cause of the crash and any contributing factors will be detailed in the final report, which is expected in 12 to 24 months.