At around 3:11 pm on August 7, 2023, emergency services from the Caddo Mills Fire Department and the Caddo Mills Police Department were dispatched to the 4200 block of FM 1565 in response to reports of a grass fire.
Upon arrival and subsequent investigation, CMPD Officer Swatsell confirmed that an aircraft, identified as a Cessna 150, had gone off the runway and was located in a nearby field at the Caddo Mills Airport. The incident led to a grass fire, which was swiftly contained and extinguished by responders from the Caddo Mills Fire Department, with assistance from the Cash Fire Department.
Tragically, the single occupant of the aircraft, a male pilot who was in the process of obtaining a commercial pilot license, was found deceased at the crash site. In accordance with standard procedure, the Justice of the Peace was notified to attend the scene. The identity of the pilot is being withheld pending notification of their family.
The cause of the crash remains unknown and is currently under investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been informed and are participating in the ongoing inquiry.
The Caddo Mills Police Department expressed gratitude for the swift response and cooperation of various agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), AMR Hunt County, Hunt County Sheriff’s Office, Cash Fire Department, Caddo Mills Fire Department, and Homeland Security.
Further updates on the investigation will be shared as they become available.