WATERLOO, Ill. — A father and son from Oklahoma who had traveled to St. Louis for a Cardinals game were killed when their private plane crashed in rural Monroe County as they headed home Thursday night.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department said the 48-year-old pilot and his 22-year-old son were found dead Friday morning after an hourslong, multi-agency search for their plane south of Waterloo, Illinois.

In an evening update, officials identified the pair as Jimmy Don Lewis and his son, Brayden Ty Lewis, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ family and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them during this incredibly difficult time,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.
Investigators said the father and son had attended a St. Louis Cardinals game before taking off from St. Louis Regional Airport in Bethalto, Illinois, for their return flight home. Their plane was headed to Siloam Springs Municipal Airport in Arkansas.
The National Transportation Safety Boasrd said the Beechcraft Baron 55 crashed at approximately 10:48 p.m. Thursday. First responders were dispatched around 2:30 a.m. Friday after receiving reports of a possible aircraft crash south of Waterloo.
Emergency crews immediately began working with the Federal Aviation Administration to determine the aircraft’s last known location and establish a search area. FAA records show the plane was registered to Auto Key Masters and Locksmith LLC of Watts, Oklahoma.
But rain, low cloud cover and poor visibility significantly hindered the aerial search throughout the early morning hours. The massive response involved ground search teams, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, specialized drone teams and aviation assets from across Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan region.
Just before 6 a.m., Waterloo Fire Command activated a first- and second-alarm drone response, bringing additional specialized teams to the area.
An Illinois State Police aircraft searched from above using thermal imaging technology but was unable to locate the plane because of the weather and cloud cover.
Then, deputies said at approximately 7:40 a.m., an ARCH Air Medical helicopter located the plane, which had crashed into trees along a field behind the Columbia Quarry near T Road in rural Monroe County.

Both the 48-year-old pilot and his 22-year-old son were confirmed dead.
Investigators believe the plane took off into an area of developing severe weather. According to the sheriff’s department, “preliminary flight data indicates the aircraft appeared to begin a turn, possibly in an attempt to avoid the storm, before entering what appeared to be a descending spiral. Radar contact was subsequently lost.”
The findings are preliminary and remain under investigation by federal authorities.
A mobile command post established along Illinois Route 3 served as the center of the massive emergency response. Live drone video, aerial imagery, mapping and intelligence were transmitted directly to the command post, allowing officials to evaluate information in real time and coordinate search efforts.
Because of the remote location of the crash site, first responders were shuttled from the command post to the wreckage.
“The professionalism, teamwork, and unified response demonstrated throughout this incident exemplify the dedication, commitment, and selfless service of the public safety professionals who proudly serve our communities each and every day,” the sheriff’s department wrote.
Family members of the victims traveled from out of state and were notified of their deaths. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department said Pastor Jamey Bridges of Life Community Church in Columbia was called to provide pastoral care, comfort and emotional support to the family.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into what caused the crash, with the FAA also investigating. Two NTSB investigators were traveling to the scene Friday to document the wreckage before it is moved to a secure facility for further evaluation.
The NTSB said investigators will examine three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. They will review flight track data, air traffic control communications, aircraft maintenance records, weather conditions, the pilot’s experience and background, witness statements, electronic devices and any available surveillance video.

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. The NTSB said a final report identifying the probable cause of the crash and any contributing factors is expected in 12 to 24 months.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/us/father-son-killed-plane-crash-way-home-baseball-game