Pilot and his friend killed as stunt plane plunges out of the sky in front of horrified onlookers ‘after engine stalled’
Witnesses reported hearing the engine cut out as plane was at the top of a backwards loop
TWO men have died after their plane plummeted into a river when a stunt went wrong in front of horrified onlookers.
Witnesses said the plane's engine appeared to cut out as it performed a backwards loop in Liberty County, Texas.
Pilot and dad-of-one Patrick Falterman, 26, and friend Zach Esters, 25, died at the scene of Saturday's crash after the plane crashed into a river.
Dozens of people, including the pilot's family, watched on at the Labor Day celebration.
Witnesses said the engine appeared to cut out as the plane was at the top of the loop.
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Witness Joanne Gaines told : "He was doing barrels and he climbed to a certain height, and he went straight down.
"He was doing a barrel roll and then I heard the engine stop and next thing I know he crashed into the river."
The Liberty County Sheriff's Office said the plane was found in about 10 feet of water.
Patrick's friend Keith Chapman paid tribute to him on Facebook.
He said: "As most of you are aware last night we as a community and classmates lost one of the most adventurous guys most of us knew.
"Patrick leaves behind a child and these are memories the child could cherish for a lifetime."
An investigation into the crash has been launched by the Federal Aviation Administration.
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