58-year-old pilot killed in plane crash at Pearland Regional Airport, DPS said

PEARLAND, Texas (KTRK) — Investigators are working to determine the cause of a plane crash that killed the pilot and injured a lone passenger in Pearland on Saturday afternoon.

According to authorities, a small plane carrying the two began making a landing at the Pearland Regional Airport around 2:45 p.m. from Alvin.

The single-engine PZL-104 Wilga plane was reportedly able to land on the runway before officials believe the landing gear became problematic, causing the aircraft to crash into a nearby embankment, according to Sgt. Richard Standifer with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Investigators said there was severe damage to the front of the fuselage and reported that the floorboard was almost touching the plane’s instrument panel after the crash.

The pilot, who was identified as a 58-year-old white man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 38-year-old woman, who is believed to be the pilot’s wife, was able to walk away from the crash before being transported to Clear Lake Regional Hospital with serious injuries.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will be leading the investigation.