UPDATE
Two NTSB investigators arrived on Friday along with safety investigators from Textron Aviation, manufacturers of Cessna airplanes, to begin the examination of the crash site and wreckage. Investigators were able to retrieve some electronic equipment from the wreckage to send to NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C. for further analysis. Today, investigators will continue their work examining the crash site, interviewing witnesses and collecting video footage of the crash. Later today, the wreckage will be recovered to an offsite facility for further evaluation.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
ORIGINAL STORY
Two victims have been confirmed dead as a result of Thursday afternoon plane crash in Patterson.
St. Mary Parish Coroner Dr. Eric Melancon released a statement Friday morning confirming the fatalities and said, “We can confirm that there were two fatalities in the plane crash that occurred in Patterson yesterday afternoon. The names are being withheld until the NTSB gives permission to release and next of kin has been notified. The scene/crash is pending investigation by the NTSB which should begin today. Please pray for the victims’ families in this tragic loss.
At 3:11 PM on Thursday, a Cessna 414 airplane crashed in a field in the vicinity of Patterson Airport, which led to a post-impact fire.
Firefighters and first responders arrived on the scene shortly thereafter.
Flames from the crash sparked a wildfire in the field adjacent to the airport. Firefighters continued to fight the fire as of Thursday afternoon.
Melancon mentioned the potential of two fatalities in a statement released on Thursday afternoon, which has not been officially confirmed at that time.
A team of NTSB specialists is en route to the accident site, with an expected arrival time of Friday afternoon. They will begin their investigation by documenting the scene and inspecting the aircraft prior to transporting it to a secure location for further examination.
Fire departments from Patterson, Bayou Vista, Berwick and Franklin responded to the scene as well as the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, Berwick Police Department and Acadian Ambulance. Acadian Air Med also responded but was canceled just before landing near the scene.