Fatal Glider Crash in Fort Bend County, Texas
A glider plane crashed into a field in Fort Bend County, Texas on Sunday afternoon, leaving one man dead, according to the Houston Chronicle.
About the Fatal Glider Crash
Authorities say that pilot Rokki Ford Roberts, 67 of Houston, died on Sunday from injuries sustained after his glider plane crashed in a field in Fort Bend County. The field is located in the 12200 block of Reinecker Road outside of Wallis, Texas. Reports say the crash occurred at about 2 p.m.
Roberts had left from the Greater Houston Soaring Association airpoint in a JS1-C sailplane made by Jonker Sailplanes.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration say they will head those efforts.
Glider Crash Statistics
A 2006 report conducted by the Soaring Safety Foundation (SSF) found that accidents involving glider planes has decreased since 1981. However, the SSF notes that approximately 5.9 fatalities involving these types of aircraft occur each year. The SSF also found that most accidents occur in the approach and landing phase of flight.
