BEAUFORT, S.C. – A Beaufort woman sustained serious injuries after her plane crashed in Colleton County shortly after departing from the Beaufort Executive Airport on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. The pilot, identified as Theresa McDonald of Beaufort, was the sole occupant of the aircraft. The plane crashed into a pond on private property in the 5000 block of Wiggins Road just after 11:30 a.m. According to a Federal Aviation Association report, the pilot reported experiencing engine issues and was attempting to turn back toward Beaufort when the crash occurred.
The property owner, who witnessed the crash, reported hearing the plane hit several trees before nose-diving into a small pond in his yard. Following the crash, he rushed to assist the unconscious pilot, who suffered from multiple injuries. Paramedics arrived to find the pilot in critical condition and, with the help of bystanders, rushed her to a nearby CARE Flight medical helicopter, where she received medical attention before being transported to the Medical University of South Carolina.
As of Tuesday, Jan. 9, the pilot remains hospitalized at the Medical University of South Carolina. The crash site is located in a rural area approximately five miles south of ACE Basin Parkway and 12 miles south of the Green Pond Community. The crash caused significant damage to the plane, spilling a large amount of fuel into the surrounding area. Both the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the scene, with the Colleton County Fire-Rescue team present for four hours.
The Beaufort woman’s plane crash serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with aviation, particularly in emergency situations. The incident also highlights the swift response and collaboration among emergency services and relevant agencies in handling such crises. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and the community remains hopeful for the pilot’s recovery.