Texas Man Hospitalized After Plane Crashes Into Tree

MARIETTA, Okla. (AP) -- The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash of a single-engine airplane that left a Texas man injured.<br/><br/>The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says 39-year-old Dale

Thursday, June 22nd 2006, 6:26 am

By: News On 6

MARIETTA, Okla. (AP) -- The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash of a single-engine airplane that left a Texas man injured.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says 39-year-old Dale Robin Spannagel sustained head and external injuries in Tuesday night's accident north of the McGehee Airstrip near Marietta.

Troopers say as Spannagel was taking off from the airstrip, the 1965 Cessna 172F fixed wing plane he was piloting failed to gain altitude and struck a tree.

The Keller, Texas, resident was transported to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where he was listed in stable condition.

Passenger Douglas Richard of Haslet, Texas, was treated at a Marietta hospital and released.

Officials say the FAA's Oklahoma City Flight Standards district office will investigate the crash.