August 19th, 2026 Local News
Bismarck, Mo. (KFMO) - A Festus man escaped serious injury Tuesday morning after his aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Bismarck Airport.
According to St. Francois County Sheriff Jeff Crites, the pilot departed from the airport at approximately 10:15 a.m. and encountered trouble just minutes into the flight. The aircraft went down in a nearby field near Lake Avalon Road.
Investigators say the plane continued moving after touching down, rolling through a barbed wire fence, crossing Lake Avalon Road, and crashing through a second fence before coming to rest.
Emergency responders from the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration also arrived Tuesday afternoon to begin its investigation into the incident.
Sheriff Crites says preliminary information indicates the aircraft may have suffered engine trouble shortly after takeoff.
Workers who were nearby on a gas line project along Highway N were among the first to assist the pilot, helping him safely exit the aircraft. Despite the crash, the pilot was not injured and declined medical treatment. According to Crites, after refusing treatment, the pilot requested a Mountain Dew.
The aircraft involved was identified as a 1948 Navion and was reportedly headed to Springfield, Mo. at the time of the crash.
Investigators spent several hours examining the scene before the aircraft was removed and transported back to Bismarck Airport late Tuesday afternoon. A more detailed inspection of the vintage aircraft is expected as the FAA continues its investigation into the cause of the crash.
No injuries were reported.