3 Dead in Western NC Plane Crash, Including a Spartanburg Resident
A tragic plane crash on the McDowell/Rutherford County line in Western North Carolina on Sunday night resulted in the loss of three lives. One of the victims has been identified as a resident of Spartanburg. The wreckage of the small aircraft was discovered on Monday in the Brackett Town Road vicinity.
Details About the Flight
The ill-fated aircraft bearing tail number 2198G was owned by Air Star Aviation. It had taken off from Johnson County Airport located in Mountain City, Tennessee at 8:29 p.m., with Rutherfordton as its intended destination. Unfortunately, the aircraft never reached its destination. Although the weather conditions in the area were not favorable in general, it’s reported that the conditions were clear at the time of takeoff.
Investigation of the Crash
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are jointly leading the crash investigation. A preliminary report is expected within approximately 30 days, while a final report determining the probable cause is expected to be released within the next 12-24 months.
Identifying the Victims
The North Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed the identities of three victims: the pilot Adam Plummer, a passenger named Charles Mather Jr., and Scott George, a skydiving instructor at Skydive Carolina in Chester, who hailed from Spartanburg.
Cessna C182: The Aircraft Involved
The aircraft involved in the crash was a Cessna C182, capable of accommodating up to four passengers. It was registered in Chester County and leased to Skyline Carolina. The aircraft had been contracted to Skydive Mountain City in Mountain City, Tennessee for jump operations, without any incident. At the time of the crash, however, it was not involved in one.
The Timeline of Events
The aircraft departed on its fateful journey at approximately 8:29 p.m., with its last known location being around Rutherfordton, North Carolina at 8:57 p.m. Flight Aware’s tracking program indicates that the plane was in flight for a total of 28 minutes and was within 8.8 miles of its intended destination, Rutherfordton County Airport, at the time of its disappearance.
Suspected Cause of Crash
Air Star Aviation indicated that weather conditions are believed to be the cause of the crash, despite reports of clear conditions at the time of takeoff. The plane is believed to have crashed at approximately 8:57 p.m. in McDowell County.
Remembering Pilot Adam Plummer
Adam Plummer was described as a dedicated and professional pilot, greatly respected by those who worked with him. Dave Garris, a manager at the Johnson County Airport, shared his fond memories of Plummer. He remembered him as a highly motivating figure and a hard worker committed to his craft. Garris expressed deep sorrow at Plummer’s untimely death and extended his condolences to Plummer’s grieving family.
