The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report into a deadly aviation accident involving a Beechcraft B300 medical support plane which crashed near Galveston, Texas. The crash resulted in six fatalities and two serious injuries and remains under active investigation as federal authorities continue to analyze flight data, weather conditions, and air traffic control communications.
According to the preliminary findings, the Beechcraft B300, registration ANX1209, was being operated by the Mexican Navy and was conducting a medivac flight under instrument flight rules when the incident occurred. The accident took place on December 22, 2025, at approximately 3:05 p.m. local time, as the aircraft was approaching Scholes International Airport in Galveston.
Details from the NTSB Preliminary Report
The NTSB preliminary report states that the aircraft was “substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Galveston, Texas.” The report confirms that “the pilot, co-pilot, two flight crew, two passengers were fatally injured and two passengers sustained serious injuries.”
Investigators reviewed recorded communications between Houston Approach Control and the flight crew. The report documents that air traffic control initially issued vectors for an ILS approach before changing the clearance to the RNAV 14 approach. Controllers advised the crew that ceilings at Galveston were approximately 300 feet and asked whether the crew wished to continue the approach. The report states that the flight crew responded affirmatively.
Later in the approach sequence, the controller issued multiple corrections regarding assigned altitude and approach clearance. According to the report, the flight crew incorrectly responded that they were “cleared to land runway one four,” prompting the controller to clarify twice that they were only cleared for the RNAV approach, not cleared to land. Shortly thereafter, the controller issued multiple low-altitude alerts, but “there received no further radio communication from the flight crew.”
Flight Path, Altitude, and Weather Conditions
Recorded ADS-B and flight data showed the aircraft descending toward Galveston before radar contact was lost. The final ADS-B return placed the aircraft at approximately 275 feet mean sea level, about three miles northwest of the airport.
Witness statements cited in the report described hearing the aircraft’s engines change power settings just before impact. One witness reported hearing the engine “pull back” and then increase to full power, consistent with a possible go-around attempt, before the sound abruptly stopped.
Weather conditions appear to be a significant factor under review. The NTSB report notes that multiple witnesses described fog and limited visibility. Official weather observations documented visibility of one-quarter statute mile and vertical visibility of approximately 200 feet above ground level.
Recovery of the Aircraft and Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement located the wreckage roughly one-half mile from the Galveston shoreline in West Bay, submerged in five to ten feet of water. The debris field extended approximately 200 feet and included the fuselage, wings, engines, and empennage. The aircraft has since been recovered and transported to a secure facility for further examination.
The NTSB emphasized that the information contained in the report is preliminary and subject to change as investigators continue to analyze potential air traffic control errors, weather data, aircraft systems, and crew actions. A final determination regarding probable cause will not be made until the investigation is complete.
Legal Considerations After a Fatal Plane Crash
Accidents involving military or government-operated aircraft raise complex legal and jurisdictional issues. Families of victims may still have important rights depending on the circumstances of the crash, the location of the accident, and applicable international or federal law. Establishing causation, preserving evidence, and understanding the applicable burden of proof are all critical components of any aviation-related injury or wrongful death claim.
In fatal aviation cases, investigations often examine whether factors such as adverse weather, navigation errors, communication breakdowns, or procedural failures contributed to the crash. Independent analysis by aviation experts may be necessary alongside the NTSB’s findings.
Speaking With an Aviation Accident Attorney
If you or your family have been impacted by a serious aviation incident, it is be important to speak with an experienced aviation accident attorney who understands the complexities of small plane crash investigations and federal aviation law. Early legal guidance can help ensure that critical records are preserved and that families understand their rights as the investigation progresses.
Spagnoletti Law Firm represents individuals and families nationwide in complex aviation injury and wrongful death cases. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to the actions of another, you may wish to speak with a lawyer about your legal options. You can call 713-804-9306 to schedule a confidential consultation or contact us online to learn more.