The pilot of a small plane that crashed near a North Carolina airport this month had raised a wheel after landing to avoid hitting a turtle on the runway, according to a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary report.
The pilot of the Universal Stinson 108, a single-engine, four-seat aircraft, and a passenger were killed in the 3 June crash near Sugar Valley airport in Mocksville, officials said. A second passenger was seriously injured in the crash.
A communications operator looking out of the airport office window advised the pilot that there was a turtle on the runway, according to the report released this week. The operator reported that the pilot landed about 1,400ft down the 2,424ft runway, then lifted the right main wheel to avoid the turtle. The operator heard the pilot advance the throttle after raising the wheel, but the airplane left her view after that.
Ever had a pet turtle? They’re dumb as rocks and seriously tenacious. Bf and I still laugh about “The Great Turtle Exodus of 1999”. Had both escape the apartment in a single day, one having jumped off the balcony. They were constantly finding their way to freedom.
Turtle tenacity is real. Found a large turtle walking into my fence like it was going to get out of its ways any minute. Turned it around and it went right back to the fence. Had to carry it across my yard, where I presume it was trying to get, before it moved on.