A tragic incident occurred on Sunday in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as a single-engine plane carrying five individuals crashed near a golf course. This unfortunate event resulted in the loss of at least one life, according to police and federal officials.
The aircraft, identified as a Piper PA-32, went down northwest of the Grand Stand Airport in North Myrtle Beach shortly after 11 a.m., as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA also stated that there were five individuals on board the plane at the time of the crash.
Initial reports from North Myrtle Beach police spokesperson Patrick Wilkinson indicated that there was at least one fatality and one person was taken to a hospital, as reported by the Myrtle Beach Sun News. However, the police dispatcher, when contacted by The Associated Press, was unable to provide further updates on the deceased or injured, as no spokesperson was immediately available.
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene as the plane crashed near Barefoot Landing, a golf course area. The fiery crash immediately prompted a response from police, fire, and other emergency vehicles rushing to the site. Iris Gaines, a visitor to the area, recounted how she noticed the plane flying erratically with one wing higher than the other just before the crash. “It was so close over this condo,” she recalled.
By the time emergency crews arrived, the aircraft was fully engulfed in flames, according to Wilkinson. The crash site was further marked by downed trees along a nearby road, as reported by witnesses on the scene.
In a statement, the FAA announced that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash. The FAA does not currently possess any information regarding the plane’s point of departure or its intended destination.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the significance of thorough investigations to determine the causes of such tragedies. The NTSB will conduct a comprehensive analysis to uncover the factors contributing to the crash, bringing closure to the families of the victims and helping to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge. The authorities involved will continue to collaborate to establish the sequence of events that led to this devastating accident. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.
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