November 18, 2018 - A plane crash just east of Flat Fork Creek on State Highway 7 East is currently being investigated by Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers. It appears at this time all occupants of the plane were not injured.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Jesse Fountain, at around 1:10pm a white and blue 2009 Jabiru USA Sport two-seater plane was flying from Baton Rouge, LA to Center Municipal Airport for fuel. The pilot, Leonard James Lorden, 53, of Mansfield, Texas landed at Williams Airport previous to Center in attempts to get fuel; however, the airport was out of the needed fuel at that time.
As the plane approached Center, Lorden stated he had engine failure, and at that time he located a field to put the plane down. The plane came down in the field; however, did not immediately stop and crossed State Highway 7 East before striking the southbound ditch and flipping over onto its top.
Lorden and a 9-year-old female passenger were not injured as a result of the crash.
Additional units responding to the scene were officers with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department, Center Police Department, Constable Precinct 3 office, Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department, and Center Fire Department.
DPS is in contact with the FAA at this time, and the investigation continues.
As of 4:45pm, the plane was removed from the location to the Center Municipal Airport.
