💬 BREAKING: Ole Miss plane crash in Tuscaloosa

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

All I could find atm...

Ole Miss plane crashes in Tuscaloosa. (Updated)

 

[bama alum]

Not an Ole Miss plane. The plane was on its way to Oxford though.

6 killed in Tuscaloosa County plane crash

First responders are on the scene of a plane crash in Tuscaloosa County.

The crash happened about 11:20 a.m. just east of the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport in Northport. The crash site is in the area of Van de Graaff Park. Tuscaloosa police Lt. Teena Richardson confirmed six deaths.

Richardson said the plane was traveling from Kissimmee, Florida en route to Oxford, Miss. when the pilot reported engine problems. The plane went down behind the farmers market in Northport.



According to Flightaware.com, an Oxford University Aircraft Charters departed the Florida airport at 9:55 a.m. but was diverted.

Three couples were on board - three men and three woman. Authorities have spoken with the pilot's brother. Despite widespread speculation that the plane had direct ties to Ole Miss, university spokesman Ryan Whittington said those onboard are not affiliated directly to the school.

According to the Oxford Eagle, among the deceased are Dr. Jason Farese and his wife, Lea, also a dentist, a family member and employee of Dr. Farese has confirmed with The EAGLE. The Farese's leave three children behind, ages 10, 7, and 5. The youngest just started kindergarten this week.

According to their dental practice website, Dr. Jason Farese was a native of Ashland, Mississippi, a 1997 graduate of Vanderbilt University. He obtained his dental degree from the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry. Upon graduation, Dr. Farese practiced dentistry at the North Benton County Health Center for two years.

Drs. Jason and Lea Farese


Dr. Lea Farese also graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry with her dental degree in 2004. She is a native of Pearl, Mississippi and is a 1998 graduate of Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. She also also practiced dentistry for 1 ½ years at the North Benton County Health Center. She has been practicing dentistry in Oxford since 2004.

Officials at the Oxford-University Airport, which is owned and operated by the university, told AL.com they have not received any official information about the crash.

Representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are en route to the scene.

"It's a sad day," Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon told reporters gathered at the scene. "We want everybody to pray for the families."

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox credited the joint efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies and fire departments that responded to the crash.

"It really speaks to the collective response of all the different agencies that were involved," Maddox said.



Tuscaloosa crash is state's second most fatal plane crash

The state's fatal air disasters date back to 1946.



FAA spokeswoman Arlene Salac said the Piper PA-31 crashed into trees on approach to Runway 30. The flight departed Kissimmee Gateway Airport.

Multiple agencies are working the site of the crash just outside the airport grounds in a wooded area known as Gate 1.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

 

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

PoTAYto, poTAHto.

It's an Ole Miss charter plane, and it's looking like all Ole Miss alumni were on board. So, of course they have ties to the university.


Not to take away from the loss of life, though. That's sad, so sad. 3 young children left behind..

 

[rueben]

That is heartbreaking.

 

[Bamabww]

How terrible, prayers for the children / family.

 

[TerryP]

PoTAYto, poTAHto.

It's an Ole Miss charter plane, and it's looking like all Ole Miss alumni were on board. So, of course they have ties to the university.

According to Flightaware.com, an Oxford University Aircraft Charters departed the Florida airport at 9:55 a.m. but was diverted.

I had to look and see if there was an Oxford University in the state of Mississippi. The way this is worded is a little misleading.