HICKORY, N.C. — A devastating plane crash into Lake Hickory claimed the lives of two individuals on a tragic Sunday morning. Pilot Jeffrey Jay Cooley, 63, from Granite Falls, and passenger Brian Frank Miller, 49, from Hickory, lost their lives in the crash, according to state highway patrol investigators.
The incident unfolded around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday when a plane departed from Hickory Regional Airport. Tragically, it collided with high-tension power lines spanning the lake. The impact led to an immediate response from police and firefighters, as well as agencies from Alexander, Caldwell, and Catawba counties.
Breaking Hickory- police and fire have responded to a plane crash in Lake Hickory. Firefighters say the plane struck high tension power lines causing widespread outages north of downtown. Watch channel 9 for updates on this developing story. pic.twitter.com/cjLruGEMq8
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) August 13, 2023
Jeff Cooley, the pilot, was widely regarded by his fellow aviators as a safety-conscious and meticulous flyer. His commitment to aviation safety earned him deep respect among his peers.
Both Jeffrey Wofford and Joe Brannock, fellow pilots, highlighted Cooley’s conscientious nature when it came to flying. The aircraft involved was an amphibious plane with retractable wheels, allowing it to land on both water bodies and conventional airports.
Brannock shared that Cooley’s generosity extended beyond the skies. Cooley was known to volunteer for transporting rescue dogs to their new homes, demonstrating his remarkable character and kindness.
The aftermath of the crash left a significant impact on the local area. Duke Energy reported that over 18,000 customers experienced power outages due to the downed transmission lines resulting from the crash. However, by 1:30 p.m., power was fully restored for all affected customers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident. Although no mechanical issues have been reported so far, investigators are actively seeking witnesses who observed the crash to gain further insights.
As the FAA works to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic event, the wreckage has been relocated to the shoreline of Lake Hickory. The investigation aims to uncover the details of the crash, as the aviation community and local residents mourn the loss of Jeffrey Jay Cooley and Brian Frank Miller.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
