Oklahoma City, OK – A tragic plane crash near Wiley Post Airport in Bethany took the lives of a new pilot and his wife, leaving behind a scene of devastation and grief. The pilot, Barrett Ellis, was in communication with the tower controller when he reported losing power and declared an emergency just before the 1968 Beechcraft single-engine plane crashed and burst into flames. Despite his efforts, both he and his wife, Megan Ellis, tragically succumbed to the crash.
An initial report from the National Transportation Safety Board indicated a possible cause for the tragedy – a massive oil leak. The investigation found evidence of oil puddled and dripped in various locations, suggesting a significant issue with the aircraft’s engine. The crash occurred just five minutes after the pilot had been cleared for takeoff, raising questions about the safety and maintenance of the plane.
Witnesses and security cameras captured the moments leading up to the crash, with reports of smoke trailing the airplane and the engine sputtering. A preliminary analysis of the replaced oil revealed potential issues with internal corrosion, adding further complexity to the investigation.
Barrett Ellis, a new pilot, had only recently purchased the plane, and his wife, Megan Ellis, was the executive director for The Sooner Nation Collective. Their tragic deaths have left a void in their community and raised concerns about aviation safety in the region.
This accident is the latest in a series of deadly aviation incidents in Oklahoma in 2023, prompting a closer examination of flight safety and regulations. The NTSB will continue its investigation, aiming to provide a comprehensive report on the cause of the crash and any contributing factors. For now, the community mourns the loss of two beloved individuals and grapples with the impact of this devastating event.