Fatal Crash: 79-Year-Old Pilot Dies in White County Ultra-Light Accident

The White County Sheriff's confirmed the death of ultra-light pilot Paul Winder following a crash at Mountain Airpark oMonday, May 20, 2024.Photo byDaniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com

A 79-year-old Cleveland man was killed early Monday in an ultra-light plane crash at the Mountain Airpark, officials say. Emergency personnel were dispatched to the private airfield in southern White County at 8:42 a.m. on May 20.

White County Sheriff’s Captain Clay Hammond says deputies responded to 935 Runway Circle in Cleveland in reference to a crash. He says witnesses and emergency personnel provided medical aid to the pilot, but he died at the scene.

Hammond identified the deceased pilot as 79-year-old Paul Winder. He says Winder was alone at the time of the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified. NTSB spokesperson Courtney Martinez says an investigator is expected to be on the scene Tuesday to begin documenting the crash site and examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.

Martinez says a preliminary report is expected within 30 days.