A catastrophic light aircraft crash near Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday afternoon has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and sparked a significant fire in an industrial area. The incident, involving a Beechcraft King Air C90 twin-engine turboprop, occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m. on October 12, 2025, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting immediate investigations by federal authorities.
Devastating Impact in Tarrant County
The Beechcraft King Air C90, which had departed from Alliance Airport, crashed into a parking lot situated in the 12700 block of North Saginaw Boulevard in Tarrant County. The impact was severe, with the aircraft striking multiple parked tractor-trailers and campers. The collision ignited a massive blaze, engulfing the aircraft and several commercial vehicles in flames. Thick, black smoke billowed into the sky, visible for miles around, serving as a grim indicator of the disaster’s scale. The fire also spread to a nearby commercial building and ignited surrounding grass fires, requiring a substantial emergency response.
Victims Identified Amidst Wreckage
Authorities confirmed that two people were tragically killed in the crash. The victims have been identified as Michael Daly of Bartonville and his father, John Daly of Roanoke. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among individuals on the ground, though at least 10 tractor-trailers sustained damage.
Swift Emergency Response
First responders from the Fort Worth Fire Department were on the scene within minutes of the initial calls, arriving amidst the intense fire and smoke. A multi-agency effort, including crews from Tarrant County, Haslet, Lake Worth, Saginaw, Newark, Eagle Mountain, and Blue Mound, worked diligently to combat the blaze. Firefighters successfully brought the extensive fire under control within approximately 35 minutes, preventing further escalation. Emergency personnel secured the crash site, which led to temporary road closures on Business U.S. 287 near the area, impacting local traffic.
Witness Accounts of the Tragedy
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene. Residents and workers in the vicinity reported hearing a loud boom, followed by the sight of a “giant ball of fire” and immense plumes of black smoke. Gregory Delano, who was at a nearby pool hall, described running out to see the intense fire and smoke, noting that the aircraft was completely engulfed. Theresa Brown, a neighbor, recalled the intensity of the blaze and the feeling of dread that nobody could have survived such an impact. The visual of the crash, captured on surveillance video and shared widely, showed the aircraft plummeting before striking the parked vehicles.
Federal Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have taken the lead in investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The NTSB is tasked with determining the probable cause of the accident, examining factors such as pilot performance, aircraft maintenance, and environmental conditions. The investigation will involve a thorough review of flight data, air traffic control communications, and the aircraft’s maintenance records. While preliminary reports are expected, a comprehensive final report detailing the cause may take months to complete. The proximity of Hicks Airfield, a private airport, and larger regional airports like Fort Worth Alliance and Fort Worth Meacham, means that safety protocols in the area are significant, making this crash a point of concern.
This incident represents a significant event in current Texas news, generating considerable buzz due to its devastating nature and the ongoing investigation into its cause. The tragic loss of life and the dramatic scenes from the crash site underscore the inherent risks associated with aviation, even in routine flights.
