Authorities in Virginia reported that a small plane on its way to South Carolina crashed, resulting in the deaths of both the pilot and passenger on board. The Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a low-flying plane and an explosion in Palmyra, where the aircraft was found on fire in a densely wooded area. The twin-engine airplane had departed from Manassas Regional Airport and was bound for Georgetown County Airport in South Carolina. The pilot was identified as John W. Latham and the passenger as Niiben C.A. Ayivorh. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, with light rain reported at the time of the incident.
Following the crash, two National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators were dispatched to the scene to document the wreckage and assess the site. Parts of the aircraft have already been recovered from a debris field that extends nearly 3 miles, and the NTSB has requested assistance in retrieving the engine, propeller, and other airframe components. Both the pilot and passenger were sadly killed in the crash, with the aircraft identified as a 1975 Rockwell Aero Commander 690A. The pilot, John W. Latham, was 63 years old and hailed from Haymarket, while the passenger, Niiben C.A. Ayivorh, was 73 and from Burke. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and authorities will be conducting further evaluation of the wreckage in a secure facility.
The crash occurred as the plane was flying near Miles Jackson Road in Palmyra, Virginia, with witnesses reporting that parts of the aircraft began to separate as it approached the area. The NTSB is working to gather all available information to determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Additionally, the FAA released a statement confirming the details of the crash and the intended flight path of the aircraft. Weather conditions at the time of the incident included light rain, which may have contributed to the crash. The Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, and other relevant agencies are coordinating efforts to investigate the crash and gather evidence.
In response to the crash, the NTSB emphasized the importance of recovering all components of the aircraft for further analysis. By examining the engine, propeller, and airframe parts, investigators hope to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crash. The wooded area where the plane went down presents challenges for recovery efforts, and authorities are working diligently to collect all available evidence. The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, with officials expressing condolences to the families of the victims. As the investigation unfolds, more information will be released to shed light on the cause of the crash and any factors that may have contributed to the tragic incident.
