Report Sheds Light on Fatal Crop Duster Crash Near Crosbyton - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

New information has now been released involving the crop duster crash that killed Bill Tidwell near Crosbyton Thursday, May 19th. The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary accident report on the crash. The report confirms what investigators first on the scene reported.

The NTSB document says 55-year-old Bill Tidwell was crop dusting and was on his way back to the Crosbyton Airport when his plane clipped a tower being used to collect weather data. They say that collision led to the crash which happened about a quarter mile away from the tower.

The report goes on to say "Examination of the tower revealed that the top three feet was severed and had yellow paint transfer consistent with the color of the airplane." It also states the 197 foot tower had been put up just two weeks before the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration says only towers 200 and over have to be regulated.

Again, that is the findings of the preliminary report, information is subject to change.

NewsChannel 11 was unable to reach Tidwell's family for comment.

5/26/05 NTSB Releases Cause of January Plane Crash Near Abernathy  The report indicates that Tiimothy Vaughn's small plane sustained engine failure.

5/26/05 NTSB Releases Report In Deadly Slaton Plane Crash The National Transportation Safety Board filed its report concerning the plane crash that killed Dr. Mike Marshall last December.