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Pilot Dead after Crop Duster Crash in Cameron Co.

4 years 11 months 2 weeks ago Tuesday, April 09 2019 Apr 9, 2019 April 09, 2019 12:00 AM April 09, 2019 in News - Local

UPDATE (4/10): Federal investigators were on scene Wednesday of the fatal crop duster crash that occurred near Harlingen  Tuesday.

The plane crashed into a cotton field after hitting a power line.

The cause of the crash is still unknown.
We're told a final report won't be complete for at least one year. 
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NEAR HARLINGEN – A well-known pilot and businessman from La Sara was identified as the victim of a fatal crash that happened near Harlingen Tuesday morning.

Bernard Rowland, II, 77, was piloting a single-engine crop-dusting aircraft. It was a model Air Tractor, AT-502, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

The aircraft struck a power line around 10:45 a.m. near the intersection of US-77 and Orphanage Road.

The plane was engulfed in flames, but first responders were able to put it out.

The pilot was the only occupant onboard.

Sgt. Maria Montalvo with the Texas Department of Public Safety said, "The scene is being secured we do have other personnel responding to the scene to secure the chemicals that were spilled. We're also having the light company to the scene, as well."

Cameron County Emergency Officials said the Federal Aviation Administration, TCEQ,and the Texas Department of Agriculture were notified of the incident.

The FAA said they will be working to release the tail number after investigators verify it.

The NTSB is sending an investigator the the scene Wednesday.

They will be examining the aircraft and documenting the scene.

A preliminary report will be posted about ten days after the fact-finding mission.

It will provide more information, however, the cause of the accident will be addressed in the final report that can take between 12 and 18 months to finalize.

Watch the news clip above for the more information.

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