On Friday evening, September 20, 2024, Freestone County first responders were called to the Teague Airport on reports of a plane crash at around 5:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, crews found a crashed Ultralight Airplane on the fence and tree line at the edge of the airport’s property, with one occupant in critical condition.
Billy Patterson, 69, of Fairfield, was flying his Ultralight when the plane’s engine stalled, explained his friend, who was watching from the ground.
The friend told law enforcement that he heard the plane stall, and then Patterson began procedures for a crash landing.
During the landing attempt, the plane struck the fence, bouncing and impacting with a tree.
Patterson sustained many injuries on impact, and unfortunately, upon arrival at Fairfield hospital, he was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Cinnamon Archibald.
The body was sent to Dallas for an autopsy.
The incident is still under investigation by the FAA.
A memorial was held for Patterson on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Fellowship Baptist Church of Fairfield.
