Fatal plane crash in Metter, NTSB investigates

METTER, Ga. (WTOC) - The Candler County Sheriff’s Office said they responded to the scene of a fatal plane crash at Highway 121 S and Canoochee Road, just 40 feet away from several homes.

WTOC spoke to the sheriff’s office on the scene who told us the only known fatality is the pilot of the plane. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said they are investigating the crash, and has confirmed the plane involved is a Beech 95-B55.

Preliminary data revealed Tuesday

The FAA released its preliminary data on the crash Tuesday morning. The findings show the aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances.

FlightAware data from the plane’s registration number show the plane left Norkfolk, Virginia just after 8 a.m. Monday and landed in Metter around 10:30 a.m. The fatal flight took off from the John Edwin Jones Sr. Field/Metter Municipal Airport around 11:15 a.m. and was in the air for less than 20 minutes before crashing.

Two NTSB investigators traveled to the accident site to learn more. Officials said the wreckage has been documented and will be moved to a secure facility for further examination.

Local law enforcement responds to scene

Metter Police and Fire, the Candler County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol all responded to the scene Monday.

“We had a pretty big response for the initial rescue and then once it was determined that it was a fatal plane crash. We just held the perimeter and secured the scene for the investigators to come in,” said Candler County Sheriff John Miles.

Law enforcement said the Metter Fire Department cleared the flames from the explosion of impact and there was no excessive fire damage or damage to any properties nearby. An investigation is still underway as to cause of the crash and identity of the deceased pilot.

WTOC has crews in Metter, stick with us as this story develops.