A small plane crashed at an airport in North Carolina, USA, after it tried to avoid a turtle on the runway. According to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), two people died in the incident — the pilot and a passenger. Another passenger was seriously injured.
The Universal Stinson 108 took off from Sugar Valley Airport on June 3 and returned to the airport after following the traffic pattern. While landing, the UNICOM operator warned the pilot about a turtle on the runway.
According to the operator, the right wheel of the plane stopped to avoid the turtle. After that, he heard the pilot restart the engine. A few moments later, a man cutting grass saw the plane take off again but the wings began to flap.
A short time later, the plane was lost to sight, a loud explosion was heard, and smoke was seen rising from the forest. The plane crashed 255 feet from the end of the runway, and a fire broke out upon impact.
According to the NTSB, the cause of the accident is still uncertain. Parts of the plane and engine have been confiscated for a more in-depth investigation with the Federal Aviation Administration.
