Two Lives Lost in Virginia Plane Crash
Tragedy struck in Fluvanna County, Virginia, on a misty Sunday morning when a small plane bound for South Carolina plummeted to the ground, killing both the pilot and his passenger.
The Crash and Aftermath
At approximately 9 a.m., the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a low-flying aircraft and a deafening explosion. Authorities rushed to Palmyra, a small town nestled in the county’s dense woodlands, and discovered the wreckage of a twin-engine Rockwell Aero Commander 690A ablaze amidst the trees.
As the smoke cleared, it became evident that both the pilot, 63-year-old John W. Latham of Haymarket, and his 73-year-old passenger, Niiben C.A. Ayivorh of Burke, had perished in the crash.
Flight Details and Investigation
The aircraft had departed from Manassas Regional Airport, located about 71 miles northeast of Palmyra, on a flight to Georgetown County Airport in South Carolina. The plane was privately owned and operated.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
Preliminary Findings
As the plane approached Miles Jackson Road in Palmyra, witnesses reported seeing parts of the aircraft disintegrating mid-air. Debris from the plane was scattered along a 3-mile stretch of land.
NTSB investigators have recovered an engine, propeller, and other airframe components from the debris field. They have also requested assistance in retrieving additional wreckage from the site.
- Debris Field: The plane’s debris field extended nearly 3 miles.
- Mid-Air Disintegration: Witnesses reported seeing parts of the plane coming apart before the crash.
- Ongoing Investigation: NTSB investigators are actively investigating the cause of the crash.
Conclusion
The cause of this tragic plane crash remains under investigation. The NTSB’s findings will provide crucial insights into the circumstances leading to this devastating loss of life. The community of Palmyra expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
