Three Dead in North Carolina Plane Crash in McDowell County
Federal and local officials are investigating a tragic plane crash in McDowell County, North Carolina, that claimed the lives of three individuals. The small aircraft was discovered in the Brackett Town Road area off Vein Mountain Road early Monday morning. The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office reported that the plane was found after it had been reported missing.
The plane, which was traveling from Tennessee to Rutherford County, North Carolina, was last known to be in the vicinity of Rutherfordton. Emergency Services Director for McDowell County, Will Kehler, stated that the coordinates provided by the Rutherford Airport were crucial in guiding search and rescue teams to the crash site. The actual crash site is located deep in the woods, and officials noted that heavy fog in the area may have contributed to the difficulty in locating the wreckage.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are on the scene and will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary information from the FAA indicates that the single-engine Cessna 182 went down around 6:45 a.m. on Monday. However, the NTSB reported that the crash occurred on July 7, and an investigator is en route to document the scene and examine the wreckage.
Emergency officials received the first call about the missing plane at 5:54 a.m. on Monday. Despite the challenging terrain and fog, search and rescue teams were able to locate the downed aircraft. The victims of the crash have been identified as Adam Plummer, the pilot, and passengers Scott George and Charles Mather Jr., all residents of South Carolina.
“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this devastating incident,” McDowell County Emergency Services said in a statement. The public has been asked to avoid the Brackett Town Road area to allow investigators to work without interference.
The plane took off from Mountain City, Tennessee, around 8:29 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, and was last seen near Rutherfordton, North Carolina, at approximately 8:57 p.m. The exact time of the crash remains unclear, with differing reports from responding agencies.
Emergency officials have set up a media staging area at Macedonia Baptist Church, located at 1371 Macedonia Church Road off Vein Mountain Road, and will release more information as it becomes available. The investigation will focus on three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment.
The NTSB and FAA are utilizing all available resources to ensure a thorough and swift response to the incident. The public is urged to stay tuned for further updates as the investigation progresses.
Source: NBC News Network Desk, WHNS, WLOS
