Tuesday evening, a small aircraft experiencing engine trouble avoided disaster, finishing its flight path in a tree line seven miles south of Greenville Mid Delta Airport.
Greenville Mayor Errick D. Simmons issued a statement on the incident Tuesday, noting that there were no casualties or injuries in the accident.
“Thanks to the swift actions of the pilot and co-pilot, as well as the immediate response of our first responders and emergency personnel, there were no reported injuries or fatalities. We are grateful for their professionalism and dedication to ensuring the safety of all involved,” Simmons said.
“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our Airport Director, first responders, including the Greenville Fire Department, Greenville Police Department, Washington Sheriff’s Department, Washington County Emergency Management, and all other agencies that assisted in the response. Their quick coordination and preparedness played a crucial role in this positive outcome.”
Simmons also noted that a thorough investigation will be conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board into the incident.
The near-catastrophic event comes at a tenuous time in U.S. flight travel, punctuated by the tragic air wreck of an American Airlines flight and Army Blackhawk helicopter in Washington D.C. on January 29 that killed 67 people, including a Mississippi Army pilot. The deadly crash was one of five major commercial airplane mishaps in the last year.
But according to the FAA, small plane crashes are surprisingly common – around 25 times more prevalent than commercial wrecks. Fortunately for the two pilots operating the small plane that landed in Greenville, they exited the aircraft unscathed.
“On behalf of the City of Greenville, I am thankful for the safety of those on board and the effectiveness of our emergency response teams,” Simmons said. “We remain committed to the well-being and security of all residents and visitors in our community.”
The pilots were not identified in the release.
