curved box top


blue top


Lake Travis Water Level

   updated 3:00 PM


blue bottom


blue top

Lake Travis Webcam

blue bottom


blue top

blue bottom


blue top

Lake Travis Vacation Rentals

blue bottom


Contact Go Lake Travis

Tow boat owner says plane wheels were down when it flipped into lake

Posted: Thu, 13 Jul 2017 02:12 PM - 12,921 Readers

By: Jacqulyn Powell




As the Federal Aviation Administration continues to investigate what went wrong when a small sea plane crashed into Lake Travis Wednesday night, the man who towed the plane to shore says he may have found a clue.

Removing the plane from the water and disassembling it so it could be towed away was a long tedious process. It took Chris Riley and his team more than 10 hours.

Riley, the owner of Flagship Towing, said, “We have to make sure we don’t get in the cockpit, around the cockpit, damage any of the glass in the cockpit, or any of the crucial components of the plane.”

Riley mainly works with boats, but he does tow planes like this one from time to time. It’s an amphibious plane, meaning it can land on either ground or water.

“Only problem with this particular landing was the running gear was left down,” he said, referring to the plane wheels.

Riley says when this kind of plane hits a runway, they should be down for the landing, but when it hits the water the wheels shouldn’t be out.

“So pretty much it was a sudden stop to the plane just because the drag of the wheels caused the tip of the plane just to dip down in the water,” he continued.

It’s important to note that’s not an official answer as to why the plane flipped into the water. The FAA will have the final word once its investigation is finished.

The agency is also investigating after two people were killed in a plane crash in in Tyler, Texas Thursday morning. Investigators say the private twin-engine plane crashed in a field. It had just taken off from Tyler’s Pounds Regional Airport. Both people on board were killed in the crash.


*  Story Contributed by: Jacqulyn Powell



[edit]



Lake Travis News


LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday

Nov 6, 2018

34,068 Readers

LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions

Oct 30, 2018

27,744 Readers

Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday

Oct 30, 2018

30,711 Readers

LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time

Oct 18, 2018

28,833 Readers

Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis

Oct 18, 2018

32,747 Readers

An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video

Oct 18, 2018

29,127 Readers

Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday

Oct 17, 2018

27,021 Readers

Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water

Oct 17, 2018

26,277 Readers

Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution

Oct 17, 2018

30,108 Readers

Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open

Oct 17, 2018

22,695 Readers

Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis

May 15, 2018

27,278 Readers

This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree

May 8, 2018

25,310 Readers

Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?

Aug 8, 2017

28,769 Readers

5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin

Aug 4, 2017

27,739 Readers

Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?

Jul 31, 2017

31,606 Readers

JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th

Jun 27, 2017

27,240 Readers

Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin

May 25, 2017

29,473 Readers

Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis

May 23, 2017

27,084 Readers

West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals

Aug 9, 2016

37,284 Readers

Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend

Jul 1, 2016

38,975 Readers

Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues

Jul 27, 2022

14,115 Readers

Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding

Nov 2, 2018

28,964 Readers

Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full

Oct 17, 2018

22,490 Readers

Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding

Oct 17, 2018

24,018 Readers

Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding

Oct 16, 2018

23,971 Readers

As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules

Oct 15, 2018

24,296 Readers

Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says

May 9, 2018

25,986 Readers

Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain

Aug 8, 2017

29,206 Readers

One floodgate open at Starcke Dam

Aug 7, 2017

26,734 Readers

Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?

Jul 14, 2017

27,967 Readers

Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week

Oct 16, 2018

22,073 Readers

Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest

May 15, 2018

26,550 Readers

Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017

Aug 7, 2017

28,045 Readers

PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017

Apr 1, 2016

38,258 Readers

Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return

Mar 24, 2016

37,864 Readers

Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!

Jan 13, 2016

35,602 Readers

Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)

Oct 19, 2015

37,649 Readers

Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions

Apr 17, 2015

40,035 Readers

Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record

Mar 14, 2015

40,396 Readers

Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards

Mar 11, 2015

41,321 Readers

Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat

May 16, 2018

26,265 Readers

Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake

May 16, 2018

25,332 Readers

Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K

May 16, 2018

25,906 Readers

West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding

May 15, 2018

26,552 Readers

Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis

May 11, 2018

27,259 Readers

Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake

May 5, 2018

27,010 Readers

City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution

Aug 5, 2017

26,824 Readers

Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park

Jul 14, 2017

26,076 Readers

10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe

Apr 27, 2017

27,429 Readers

Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses

Jun 8, 2016

36,058 Readers

Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise

May 16, 2018

25,846 Readers

Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel

May 10, 2018

23,703 Readers

Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin

Sep 28, 2017

28,959 Readers

A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar

Aug 8, 2017

29,446 Readers

Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin

Jul 30, 2017

27,058 Readers

Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory

Jul 28, 2017

27,271 Readers

Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge

May 27, 2016

37,247 Readers

Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions

May 18, 2016

37,423 Readers

In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property

May 14, 2016

37,313 Readers

This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World

May 6, 2016

41,135 Readers



News Archives 2017 - Select a Month

« December 2016  

January 2018 »  




bottom