Five Killed in Plane Crash Near Springfield

WILLARD, Mo. — The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a plane crash that left five people dead. A small aircraft crashed into a field around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Sgt. Jason Pace with the Missouri Highway Patrol says three children and two adults lost their lives in the crash. The 2002 Cirrus, single engine fixed wing SR-22 went down near Mo. Highway 123 and Farm Road 81.

Police said those who were killed in the crash were Robin E. Melton, 46, from Ozark, Mo.; John M. Lambert, 44, and his three children: Grayson Lambert, 16, McKinley Lambert, 15, and Joshua Lambert, 10, all from Springfield, Mo.

Investigators said the group had been at the Royals’ game on Friday night. The Missouri Highway Patrol said the group left Lee’s Summit some time after the game and crashed five miles away from the Springfield Airport.

Both adults who were killed in the crash were business owners. Robin Melton was the owner of Environmental Works. The company started in Springfield and also has a location in Kansas City. About 15 people work out of the office located in the River Market. Belton split her time between Kansas City & Springfield.

Environmental Works released a statement saying, “We are deeply proud of the many contributions Robin made to the company and the community. Her high standards and values are embedded in the company’s culture.”

The cause of the crash hasn’t been determined.