4 Survive Texas Panhandle Plane Crash, Aircraft Demolished

HEREFORD, Texas (AP) — Investigators say a single-engine plane has crashed shortly after takeoff from a Texas Panhandle airport in an accident that left all four people on board hurt and destroyed the aircraft.

The Department of Public Safety says the crash happened late Sunday morning at Hereford Municipal Airport. The Piper PA-32-30 broke apart, with pieces of the plane scattered in a grassy area.

Sgt. Cindy Barkley says the pilot, 30-year-old Andrea Reinert of Canyon, and three passengers were transported to hospitals. Barkley says Reinert was listed in critical condition Monday, while two other passengers were stable. The other victim was treated and released.

Barkley on Monday said a passenger told authorities that there may have been too much weight on board.

Federal investigators will determine the cause of the crash.