Local News
Pilot Killed in Cessna Citation Crash Near Mesquite Metro Airport identified as Eric Forsythe
Mesquite, TX – A Cessna 525A Citation CJ2+ jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Mesquite Metro Airport on Thursday morning, resulting in the death of the sole occupant, pilot Eric Forsythe.
The aircraft departed from Runway 18 at approximately 7:33 a.m. local time.
Shortly after takeoff, the jet executed a right turn and climbed to approximately 950 feet before entering a rapid descent.
Final recorded flight data indicated that the aircraft was traveling at a groundspeed of 196 knots with a descent rate of 2,750 feet per minute before impact.
The crash site was located in a wooded area near East Cartwright Road and Lawson Road, approximately one mile from the airport.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and extinguished small fires caused by the impact.
Fortunately, no structures were damaged, and no other injuries were reported.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the crash to determine the cause.
Weather conditions at the time of the accident were clear, with 10 miles of visibility and light southerly winds.
Local News
Leah Levy Among Two Skydivers Killed in Midair Collision During Landing Near Lake Elsinore, California
LAKE ELSINORE, California — Two experienced skydivers, including Leah Levy, died after their parachutes became entangled during a midair collision while they were preparing to land at a skydiving event in Southern California on Friday.
The fatal accident occurred at Skydive Elsinore in Lake Elsinore, where two licensed and experienced skydivers were participating in an organized skydiving event.
According to a statement from Skydive Elsinore, the collision happened at approximately 150 feet above the ground as the two participants were approaching the landing area.
Both skydivers suffered critical injuries and were transported to a local hospital. They were later pronounced dead.
Skydive Elsinore said the initial stages of the jump, including the free-fall portion and parachute deployment, proceeded normally.
However, as the two skydivers prepared to land, they collided in midair at an altitude of approximately 150 feet, or about 46 meters, above the ground.
The impact caused their parachutes to become entangled, leaving both participants unable to complete their landings safely.
“The collision caused their parachutes to become entangled, and both sustained critical injuries when they reached the ground,” the company said in a statement.
The Riverside County Fire Department reported that both skydivers suffered traumatic injuries in the incident.
Emergency responders transported them to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite receiving medical attention, both later died from their injuries.
One of the victims was identified in the supplied information as Leah Levy. The second skydiver’s identity has not been provided.
Skydive Elsinore confirmed that both individuals were licensed and experienced skydivers participating in the organized event.
The company said the collision occurred during the final approach to landing, after the free fall and parachute-opening stages had reportedly gone normally.
The incident resulted in the deaths of both participants.
Further details about the circumstances surrounding the collision and any subsequent investigation have not been provided in the available information.