One Dead, Thousands Without Power After Plane Crash in Lake Hickory
A tragic accident occurred on Sunday, August 13, 2023, when a small plane crashed into Lake Hickory, North Carolina, killing one person and knocking out power for thousands of residents. The plane reportedly hit a high-tension power line before plunging into the water, causing widespread outages and damage.
According to the Hickory Police Department, the plane was a single-engine Piper PA-28 Cherokee, registered to a private owner in Charlotte. The pilot was the only occupant of the plane, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the pilot has not been released yet, pending notification of next of kin.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but witnesses said that they heard a loud boom and saw sparks flying from the power line before the plane went down. The crash site was located near the Wittenburg Access Area of Lake Hickory , a popular spot for boating and fishing. Several emergency crews from Alexander, Caldwell, and Catawba counties responded to the incident, and searched for the plane and the pilot in the lake.
Plane crash reported at Lake Hickory
The crash also affected the power supply for over 18,000 customers in the area, according to Duke Energy. The company said that it had to reroute power from other sources to restore service as quickly as possible. However, some customers still experienced outages for several hours or days. The company also warned people to stay away from downed or damaged power lines, and to report any hazards or outages to their customer service.
The crash shocked and saddened many people, especially those who knew or saw the pilot. Some residents said that they often saw the plane flying over the lake, and that it seemed to be well-maintained and operated. Some also expressed their condolences and prayers for the pilot’s family and friends.
The crash also raised questions and concerns about the safety and regulation of small planes and power lines near water bodies. Some people wondered if there were any rules or guidelines for flying over or near lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Some also wondered if there were any measures or technologies to prevent or reduce the risk of collisions or electrocutions.
Conclusion
The plane crash in Lake Hickory was a tragic event that claimed one life and disrupted many others. It also highlighted the potential dangers and challenges of flying small planes near power lines and water bodies. It is hoped that the investigation will reveal the cause of the crash and provide some answers and closure for the pilot’s family and friends.
FAQ
Q: What is Lake Hickory?
A: Lake Hickory is a man-made lake created by Duke Energy in 1927 by damming the Catawba River. It covers about 4,223 acres and has a shoreline of about 105 miles. It is used for hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply.
Q: What kind of plane crashed into Lake Hickory?
A: The plane that crashed into Lake Hickory was a single-engine Piper PA-28 Cherokee, registered to a private owner in Charlotte.
Q: Who was the pilot of the plane that crashed into Lake Hickory?
A: The pilot of the plane that crashed into Lake Hickory was the only occupant of the plane, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the pilot has not been released yet, pending notification of next of kin.
