Emergency personnel swarm the scene of the crash (Sgt. Jason Paske with the Polk County Sheriff's Office pictured in foreground).
Small Plane Crashes Near Prison Shortly After Take-Off, LIVINGSTON, April 23, 2010 - At approximately 2:20 pm on April 23, 2010 a small plane crashed shortly after take-off from Livingston Municipal Airport. The plane was piloted by Syble Ziegler, 65, of Livingston. Ziegler was flying the small plane with an instructor on board by the name of Ronald Cross, 41, of Pell City, Alabama. Ziegler was trying to earn her bi-annual certification for flying. Shortly after taking off, the plane's engine lost power and came down in a field located next to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Polunsky Unit. The plane was a 2003 model Breezy. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department, Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Livingston Police Chief, Dennis Clifton, and DPS Trooper Ramey Bass. Ziegler was treated at the scene and transported to Livingston Memorial Hospital with undisclosed injuries while instructor pilot Ronald Cross was physically okay. Trooper Bass conducted an initial investigation and report. The accident is now under further investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration. The plane remains in its location where it crashed and is visible from FM-350 near the Polunsky Unit.
Special thank you: Assignment Editor, Stash Anderson, Assistant Editor, Willie A. Openshaw
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the small craft was a 2003 model Breezy.
Trooper Ramey Bass speaks with the instructor pilot, Ronald Cross (yellow shirt).
The plane was piloted by student pilot, Syble Ziegler of Livingston. Ziegler was taken to Livingston Memorial Hospital with undisclosed injuries.
Livingston Fire Chief Corky Cochran (center).
Trooper Ramey Bass conducted the initial investigation. The crash is now turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The wreckage from the crash is visible from FM-350 South.
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