Louisiana Plane Crash – Overnight Update/New Details

(KMDL-FM) There has been some new information released in connection with an aircraft that went down in Central Louisiana on Sunday afternoon. The crash was reported shortly after 2 pm. According to reports, the aircraft went down in a swampy and wooded area on the western side of Cleco Lake, aka Rodemacher Lake.

Authorities were able to determine the location of the downed plane late Sunday afternoon, but were having difficulties reaching the crash site because of the dense woods and swampy conditions.  Scroll down for the latest information.

(Original Story 03.23.26)
(KMDL-FM) Investigators in Rapides Parish reported that late yesterday afternoon, they confirmed the location of a downed aircraft near Boyce, Louisiana. The aircraft was reported to be located on the western side of Cleco Lake.

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That body of water is also known to some as Lake Rodemacher. The report that the aircraft had been located came in shortly after 5 pm on Sunday.

What Is the Latest on the Plane Crash in Rapides Parish, Louisiana?

As of this report, details about the crash, the owner of the aircraft, or the passengers on board were very scant. Authorities mentioned that the area where the downed plane is located is very swampy.

The dense swamp is making it difficult for rescuers and investigators to reach the scene of the crash.

As late Sunday afternoon, investigators had still not reached the area where the downed plane was found. The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified, and a team of investigators is scheduled to be in Central Louisiana sometime on Monday.

Details on Rapides Parish Plane Crash Released

KALB Television in Alexandria offered this update via their social media sites late Sunday. This report was filed before the location of the aircraft had been determined.

Photographs from the scene suggest multiple agencies from around Central Louisiana have been involved in the search for the downed aircraft. First reports of a plane crashing near Cotile Lake were received by the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Department shortly after 2 pm on Sunday. The search for the plane and its passengers has been ongoing since that time.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

[Updated Information 3.24.26 - 0100 AM]

On Monday, investigators with the Federal Aviation Administration investigating the crash of a plane in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, identified the kind of aircraft that was involved in the crash.

The aircraft is said to be a Beechcraft BE 20. The plane is capable of carrying from seven to eleven individuals (passengers and crew). However, investigators did confirm that only the pilot was onboard the aircraft at the time of the incident.

According to a report published by Alexandria television station KALB, the National Transportation Safety Board will take the lead on the investigation. It is believed that agents from NTSB will be at the scene later today.

Here are some videos that were posted by the Flatwoods Volunteer Fire Department, one of the many agencies that have been assisting in the hours following the incident.

We should be expecting a preliminary report from the NTSB, which is usually made in a timely manner of 24 to 48 hours. When that report is made available, you should be able to see it on the NTSB Incident website. 

Investigators are also working to confirm the aircraft registration number. Once that has been confirmed, you can search for detailed information about the aircraft at this FAA website.