Pilot Dies in Crash While Attempting to Avoid Turtle on Runway
A recent investigation suggests that a turtle may have played a significant role in a deadly plane crash that took place earlier this month in North Carolina, resulting in two deaths and one injury.
According to an initial report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a Universal Stinson 108 aircraft went down on Tuesday, June 3, while trying to avoid a turtle situated on the runway at Sugar Valley Airport in Mocksville.
The private plane was “destroyed” upon impact around 11:45 a.m. local time, leading to the fatalities of both the pilot and one passenger, while another passenger sustained serious injuries.
A UNICOM operator who alerted the pilot about the turtle reported that the pilot initially touched down approximately halfway down the 2,424-foot runway before lifting the right main wheel to evade hitting the animal. The operator noted hearing an increase in engine power but lost sight of the aircraft shortly after. In addition, an individual mowing grass at the end of the runway witnessed the pilot raising the right wheel to avoid contact with the turtle.
The NTSB mentioned that prior to attempting takeoff again, there was noticeable swaying of the aircraft’s wings “back and forth.” The grass cutter lost sight of it as it passed behind a hangar and disappeared into tree cover but later heard a loud crash followed by smoke.
As per NTSB findings, the airplane crashed into “a heavily forested area” approximately 255 feet northeast of its departure point. The wreckage came to rest on its left side with its left wing crumpled beneath its fuselage and its right wing bent backward.
After impact, a fire erupted. Much of what remained of the aircraft was found “wedged between several trees” and suffered extensive fire damage.
The wreckage and engine are being held for further examination following this incident; however, officials have yet to disclose details about what caused the crash.
Davie County authorities have not promptly responded to inquiries from PEOPLE regarding those who lost their lives in this tragedy.
Both NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are actively investigating this unfortunate event.
