MOCKSVILLE, N.C. (AP) A tragic incident occurred on June 3, 2023, when the pilot of a small Universal Stinson 108 plane and one passenger lost their lives following a crash near Sugar Valley Airport in Mocksville, North Carolina. A second passenger sustained serious injuries in the crash, which has sparked investigation and concern regarding safety procedures at small airstrips.
According to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the incident unfolded when a communications operator, monitoring the runway from the airport office, noticed a turtle on the runway. The operator advised the pilot of the situation, prompting a quick decision from the pilot to land the aircraft approximately 1,400 feet (about 427 meters) down the runway, which measures 2,424 feet (approximately 739 meters) in total length.
Once on the runway, the pilot's attempt to avoid the turtle led to him raising the right main wheel of the aircraft. Witnesses reported hearing the pilot advance the throttle after this maneuver. However, the plane soon left the operator’s line of sight, which left many questioning the pilot's decision-making in such a critical moment.
A separate witness, a man cutting the grass at the end of the runway, corroborated that he saw the pilot raise the right wheel to avoid the turtle, followed by the wings of the aircraft rocking back and forth before the plane attempted to take off again. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, the man heard a crash and saw smoke rising from the area.
The aftermath of the crash revealed that the airplane went down in a heavily forested area about 255 feet (approximately 78 meters) away from the runway. The plane caught fire upon impact and was found wedged between several trees. Rescue and investigative teams later noted that the aircraft remained largely intact, albeit with some pieces of fabric located in a nearby stream. The plane came to a rest on its left side, with the left wing folded underneath the fuselage and the right wing bent towards the tail, indicative of a severe impact.
Preliminary reports like this one typically contain factual information gathered at the crash site but do not provide insights into probable causes of such accidents. According to the NTSB's website, final reports, which might take one to two years to complete, will include an in-depth analysis leading to potential safety recommendations or regulatory changes.
As investigations continue, this incident underscores the complexities and risks associated with small aircraft operations, especially in instances where animals or unforeseen obstacles appear on runways. The tragic loss of life emphasizes the need for vigilant safety protocols and awareness among pilots operating in and around small airports.
