Gilbert, South Carolina – Authorities have identified the passenger who died after a small aircraft crashed in a wooded area near a rural airport in Lexington County on Friday morning. The crash occurred as the plane attempted an emergency landing following reported engine trouble shortly after takeoff.
Incident Overview
Emergency crews responded to reports of a small plane in distress near White Plains Airport (SC99) in Gilbert, South Carolina, on Friday, February 7, shortly after 9:00 a.m. Officials confirmed that one person was killed in the crash, while the pilot survived and was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
According to local authorities, the aircraft went down in a wooded area near Country Creek Lane, narrowly missing nearby homes. No injuries were reported on the ground.
Timeline of Events
The Lexington County Fire Service received an emergency alert at approximately 9:17 a.m., indicating that a small plane was experiencing mechanical issues while attempting to land.
Investigators said the aircraft had departed from Columbia, South Carolina, and was en route to Decatur, Alabama, when the pilot reported engine problems shortly after takeoff. By 9:25 a.m., the plane lost engine power completely and crashed into the woods approximately 1,800 feet short of the runway at White Plains Airport.
The pilot attempted a forced landing but was unable to reach the runway safely.
Details From Officials
Lexington County Fire Chief Kyle Minick and Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher confirmed the fatality and injury following the crash.
“Crews were dispatched after receiving an alert of an aircraft in distress. Unfortunately, the plane went down before reaching the runway,” officials said during an on-scene briefing.
Authorities later identified the deceased passenger as Andrew Frederick Nichols, 30, of Huntsville, Alabama. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The pilot, whose name has not been released, was transported to an area hospital and remains in stable condition, though officials described the injuries as serious.
Aircraft and Investigation Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken over the investigation into the crash. According to preliminary information released by the agency, the aircraft involved was a popular fixed-landing-gear plane, commonly used for personal and training flights.
NTSB investigators stated that early efforts are focused on the aircraft’s fuel system, which may have played a role in the reported engine failure.
Officials also confirmed that a transportation company will remove the wreckage on Saturday, transporting it to a secured facility in Griffin, Georgia, where a more detailed examination will take place.
A preliminary crash report is expected to be released within ten days, according to the NTSB.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Location: Near White Plains Airport (SC99), Gilbert, South Carolina
- Time: Approximately 9:25 a.m. Friday
- Fatality: Andrew Frederick Nichols, 30, of Huntsville, Alabama
- Injured: Pilot, hospitalized in stable but serious condition
- Distance from runway: Approximately 1,800 feet short
- Cause under review: Possible engine and fuel system failure
Safety and Aviation Context
Small aircraft crashes, while relatively rare, often involve mechanical issues, fuel system failures, or emergency landing attempts. Aviation experts note that forced landings are among the most challenging scenarios pilots face, especially when altitude, terrain, and nearby infrastructure limit available options.
Rural airports like White Plains often serve private pilots and flight training operations, making emergency preparedness and rapid response critical. Officials emphasized that the absence of ground injuries highlights the importance of keeping flight paths clear of densely populated areas when possible.
Conclusion
The investigation into Friday’s deadly plane crash near White Plains Airport remains ongoing as federal authorities work to determine what caused the engine failure. While the pilot survived the incident, the loss of Andrew Frederick Nichols underscores the risks associated with emergency aviation situations.
Officials say additional details will be released once the NTSB completes its preliminary findings. Share your experiences in the comments below.
