One dead in Cooke Co. plane crash

COOKE COUNTY, Texas (KXII) -- A Sanger man is dead after a plane crash in Cooke County on Thursday.

"We've known him for years," said Vicky Bartel. "Just a great guy, awesome young man."

Bartel said 28-year-old Tyler Foster was a driven person who would always lend a helping hand to her and her husband.

"We have a farm, we have a trucking company, we own these stores, and he would do anything," said Bartel.

"Tyler was an amazing guy from an amazing family! He had his future planned out and knew where he was going in life," said another friend of Foster's, Michelle Young. "My son Kaden had been in a big plane, but always wanted to go in a small one. Tyler didn't ever hesitate to take him up, and he loved it."

Bartel said Foster was a pilot for SkyWest Airlines and flying was a big passion of his, something he did more than he drove.

"He was flying his plane to his house is what I understand, he had an airstrip there. He was headed home and didn't come, so they started looking for him," said Bartel.

Hours after family members reported Foster missing, authorities found his body and the wreckage of an experimental Skybolt plane near FM 51 and County Road 325 in Cooke County around 10:30 p.m.

The National Transportation Safety Board, with the assistance of the Federal Aviation Administration, are leading the investigation.

"This is very early in our investigation so a cause will not be determined at this state in the investigation," said Keith Holloway, media relations specialist for the NTSB.

The FAA's website shows the plane is registered to another man from Sanger.

Foster was the sole occupant of the plane.

Right now, friends said the Foster family is weighing heavily on their minds.

"So sad. Just praying for them," said Bartel.

"He will be missed dearly. Please continue to pray for his family," said Young.

The NTSB should have a preliminary report up on their website within five to ten days.