MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - KNOE 8 News has now confirmed the identities of the four people killed in a small plane crash Thursday afternoon south of the Monroe airport.
Dean Hart, Sr., of West Monroe and Max Larche of Bastrop were killed, as was Don Thompson, who was a Regional Sales Manager for Bumper to Bumper, the parent company of Replacement Parts, Inc., in Little Rock. He is from the Monroe area.
The pilot has now been identified by Central Flying Service as Mason Mauldin of Little Rock. The release from Disaster Management International says: "Central Flying Service confirms that Mason Mauldin, of Little Rock, was the pilot of the plane that crashed south of Monroe, Louisiana yesterday. Central Flying Service continues to work with Federal and Local investigators at the crash site. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family and friends of those who were on board the plane."
A Replacement Parts spokesman earlier this morning issued the following statement about the crash and death of Don Thompson:
"Last night, everyone at Replacement Parts, Inc. was shocked and deeply saddened upon hearing of the loss of Don Thompson. Don was a mentor and friend to so many during his 40 years with RPI. He was loved and respected by all of his co-workers. Words can simply not express what Don meant to our company; and more importantly the people in it. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten by those who knew him. Don served our company in many roles over the years. He was a store manager, a district manager, and most recently a regional manager.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Don's family, friends and loved ones. We grieve with them during this difficult time. We also pray for the loved ones of others lost in this tragic accident.
Don meant so much to so many. Those of us fortunate enough to work with him for so many years were truly blessed by his presence."
Previous Report:
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - KNOE 8 News has confirmed the plane involved in the crash was owned by Central Flying Service, Inc. based out of Little Rock, Arkansas.
The FAA Preliminary investigation indicates the plane was flying from Beaumont, Texas to Monroe when it crashed for unknown reasons. The plane was on final approach to the Monroe airport at the time of the crash around 2:00 p.m.
Previous Report:
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - KNOE 8 News has learned the plane that crashed in Ouachita Parish is a Beechcraft Bonanza.
The crash happened four miles south of Monroe near the Ouachita Parish Correctional Center around 2:00 p.m. The FAA confirms two people were onboard and were killed in the crash.
The NTSB is on the way to the scene and will be the lead investigators. The plane crashed in a very remote wooded area.
Previous report:
MONROE, La (KNOE 8 News) - A single engine plane has crashed behind the Ouachita Correctional Center in Richwood. Richwood is located just south of Monroe on Highway 165.
Witnesses tell us the small plane exploded on impact. We have a crew headed to the scene and will have updates here at KNOE.COM and on KNOE 8 News.
Crash site command center (FRIDAY Jan. 25th) by KNOE Victoria Shirley
Plane crash scene (THURSDAY Jan. 24th) by KNOE Victoria Shirley
Plane crash scene (THURSDAY Jan. 24th) by KNOE Victoria Shirley
EXAMPLE Photo: 1998 Beechcraft Bonanza A36
