HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A small aircraft crashed and caught fire near West Houston Airport in west Harris County, with the pilot escaping the wreckage without injuries, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred shortly after the plane took off and reportedly struck a tree approximately 1.5 miles from the airport runway.
The aircraft caught fire, but flames had largely subsided by the time emergency responders arrived. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, managed to exit the aircraft and walk to the airport unaided.
The Texas Department of Public Safety will lead the investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Officials are examining whether mechanical failure, environmental conditions, or other factors contributed to the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to support the investigation.
Authorities have not released the identity of the pilot.