NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As federal investigators work to determine what caused a fatal plane crash in southwest Texas, a prominent aviation attorney is urging authorities to closely examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, calling it a critical step in understanding what went wrong.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the January 8 crash of a Beechcraft A36 Bonanza that went down in a marsh near Sabine Pass, Texas, killing the 71-year-old pilot, who was flying from Jennings, Louisiana to Galveston, Texas.
According to flight data, the aircraft departed at 1:52 p.m. local time. Just over an hour later, around 3 p.m., the plane experienced a sudden increase in speed before rapidly losing altitude and crashing near Knight Lake. The pilot’s body was not recovered until the following day.
FlightAware data shows the aircraft was flying at approximately 5,900 feet and traveling at 194 miles per hour shortly before the crash.
“There are still many unanswered questions surrounding this tragedy,” said aviation attorney Keith Williams of The Keith Williams Law Group. “When an aircraft accelerates unexpectedly and then loses altitude, investigators must look closely at whether a mechanical or maintenance-related issue played a role. That’s why reviewing the maintenance logs is so important.”
Williams emphasized that maintenance records can reveal whether required inspections were completed, whether known issues were properly addressed, and whether the aircraft was airworthy at the time of the flight.
“The NTSB’s investigation will take time, but the public deserves transparency,” Williams said. “Understanding whether this was a mechanical failure, a maintenance oversight, or something else entirely is essential—not just for accountability, but for aviation safety as a whole.”
The NTSB has not yet released preliminary findings. The investigation remains ongoing.
In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.
