26-05-2025
Chambers County: Man, teen grandson killed in Hankamer plane crash, officials say
The Brief
A man and grandson were on a small plane in Baytown on Saturday when their signal was lost.
The plane was found Sunday in a wooded area near FM 1724.
Federal officials are investigating this incident.
HANKAMER, Texas - A La Porte man and his young grandson are dead after their small plane crashed in Chambers County, according to the sheriff's office.
What we know
Officials say they were notified at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday about a possible downed aircraft near FM 1724 and I-10 in Hankamer.
They say Larry Motte from La Porte was flying with his grandson, who a Texas DPS sergeant says was a 14-year-old visiting from Austin.
According to the DPS sergeant, the two were flying a single-engine Rockwell Commander 114 aircraft out of the Baytown area.
The plane last transmitted data at about 5 p.m., showing a loss of altitude. A citizen alerted officials about the aircraft not coming back.
Chambers County officials launched a search for the aircraft with Texas Game Wardens, Texas DPS, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
At about 11 a.m. on Sunday, officials say the aircraft was found in a remote wooded area near FM 1724. Motte and his grandson were found deceased.
What we don't know
There is no information at this time about where the plane was going or why it went down.
What's next
Chambers County officials say the crash will be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Source
Facebook post from the Chambers County Sheriff's Office
