There was a deadly plane crash in Odessa, Texas on August 16, 2024. The plane, a twin-engine Cessna Citation 550, crashed into a neighborhood after attempting to take off from an Odessa airfield. Witnesses reported the plane appeared to have problems gaining altitude after taking off. The plane was owned by Summa Group. The two victims on board have been identified as Joseph Vincent Summa, of Bellaire, and Joleen Cavaretta Weatherly, of Orange. A woman who was in a mobile home struck by the plane also sustained injuries. The accident remains under investigation at this time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this deadly crash.
A plane crash involving a twin-engine Cessna Citation 550 could result from a combination of factors, with the most critical being engine failure. In a twin-engine aircraft like the Cessna Citation 550, the loss of power in one engine during or shortly after takeoff can severely impact the plane’s ability to gain altitude. This is particularly dangerous during takeoff because the aircraft is low to the ground and may not have enough time or space to recover. Engine failure could be due to mechanical issues, fuel contamination, or even bird strikes, which can cause one or both engines to lose power unexpectedly.
Weather conditions could also play a significant role in a crash of this nature. Adverse weather such as strong crosswinds, wind shear, or turbulence can severely impact a plane’s performance during takeoff. Wind shear, which is a sudden change in wind speed or direction, can cause a dramatic loss of lift, making it hard for the aircraft to climb. In such conditions, even a well-maintained aircraft with an experienced pilot might struggle to gain altitude, leading to a dangerous situation if the plane cannot reach a safe height quickly enough.
Finally, mechanical failure beyond the engines, such as issues with the aircraft’s control surfaces, landing gear, or flaps, could contribute to a crash. If the plane’s flaps or landing gear were not functioning correctly, the drag could prevent the plane from achieving the necessary speed and lift to climb. Additionally, if there were issues with the control surfaces like the ailerons, rudder, or elevator, the pilot might have difficulty maintaining control during takeoff, leading to a loss of altitude and potentially a crash.
There have been a number of recent plane accidents in 2024. A Piper PA28 crashed shortly after taking off from McClellan Airfield in Sacramento, California on August 4, 2024. A Beechcraft BE33 crashed in Yukon, Oklahoma on August 6, 2024. A Cessna 182 crashed with three people on board near Augusta, Montana on August 8, 2024. A Piper J3C-65 crashed in Mooresburg, Tennessee on August 16, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving the failure of necessary equipment on a plane or helicopter in both federal and state court across the country. When it comes to aviation, safety must come first. Our attorneys have extensive experience in plane and helicopter crash litigation and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured in a plane or helicopter crash. The experienced aviation attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a crash. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.