Small Plane hits building in Austin

This happened less than 1/2 mile from my office. I can see the smoke now. There are no real updates as everyone is still in rescue mode. It was believed to be a small single engine.

Media sources are reporting a single-engine Piper Cherokee PA 28 crashed into a building in the Echelon complex in the area of Research Blvd and N SR-Pac Expy. Media reports indicate that the building affected houses local branches of federal agencies including the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS indicates that 199 employees work at the facility and are checking to ensure all employees have been accounted for. The crash resulted in a two-alarm fire that continues to burn at this time. A portion of the scaffolding of the building is in danger of collapsing as a result of the fire. Officials have shut-off power to the surrounding area of the building in order to allow crews to safely battle the lingering fire conditions.

At least two persons have been hospitalized and several other minor injuries have been reported on-scene. The building affected has been evacuated and at least two persons are unaccounted for at this time. Surrounding buildings are being evacuated as a precaution and local access roads have been closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, including US-183.

Preliminary media reports, channeling releases from the federal entities, indicated that the crash was believed to be a result of an accident; however, the latest media reports indicate that investigation remains on-going and the crash may have been the result of an intentional act. Authorities do not however believe that the crash is an act of terrorism at this time. Media outlets report that the pilot may have set fire to his own house before taking off. According to preliminary media reports, the plane that crashed reportedly departed from Georgetown Municipal Airport around 9:40am CST.

the plane was N2889D

This is just so stupid someone would do this. I understand getting mad at the IRS, but this takes it to a new level!!!


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Got a confirmation that N2889D is the tail number. How did you know that so quickly Tom? Looks like he hasn't filed a flight plan in a while... Odd, Do you have to file every time?

The guy who was flying the plane was mad at the IRS and then did a suicide attack, it wasn't terrorist activity.

Bad Memories

jolive6, Filing a flight plan is optional for general aviation flights when flying VFR (Visusal Flight Rules).