South Carolina Plane Crash Leaves Woman Critically Injured: Officials Say

Authorities reported that on January 2, 2024, a Piper plane crashed in a pond in South Carolina.Photo byCOLLETON COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

In a distressing incident in South Carolina, a woman sustained critical injuries following a plane crash on private property in Colleton County. The woman, who was the lone occupant and pilot of the single-engine plane, encountered mechanical issues shortly after takeoff.

Reports from Colleton County Fire Rescue indicated that the plane had departed from Beaufort and experienced mechanical problems, compelling it to attempt a return to Beaufort. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed into a small pond on the property in Colleton County, causing severe damage.

The property owner, who was present in his yard at the time of the crash, heard the aircraft collide with multiple trees before nosediving into the pond. He recounted observing the plane's engine malfunction, followed by the crash. Acting swiftly, the property owner rushed to aid the injured woman.

Upon reaching the crash site, the property owner found the woman unconscious and suffering from multiple injuries. Emergency medical responders quickly arrived at the scene and assessed her critical condition. Subsequently, the responders carefully extricated her from the wreckage and, with the assistance of bystanders, transported her to a medical helicopter waiting nearby. The helicopter swiftly transported her to a hospital located in Charleston for urgent medical attention.

As of the latest reports, authorities have not publicly disclosed the woman's identity.

The aftermath of the crash left the plane partially submerged on the pond's edge, with visible damage that included one wing separated from the fuselage. Additionally, the crash resulted in fuel spillage into the pond and surrounding area.

The investigation into the plane crash remains ongoing, with officials yet to determine the specific circumstances leading to the mechanical failure and subsequent crash. The incident underscores the serious risks and challenges associated with aviation emergencies and the critical need for immediate medical assistance in such situations.