Authorities are investigating a devastating small plane crash that claimed two lives near Covington Municipal Airport, located 35 miles east of downtown Atlanta. The Rockwell Commander aircraft, carrying two passengers, crashed shortly after takeoff at 11:40 p.m. Saturday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Newton County police confirmed the wreckage was discovered in wooded terrain north of the runway.
There was no further communication from the aircraft after takeoff,officials stated, emphasizing the sudden nature of the incident.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into possible causes, including:
- Mechanical failures
- Weather conditions
- Pilot communication issues
This marks the third aviation incident near Atlanta in 2023, raising questions about airport safety protocols for smaller airfields. The Covington Municipal Airport primarily serves private and recreational pilots, with 12,000 annual takeoffs recorded pre-pandemic.
Aviation experts stress the importance of routine maintenance checks for older single-engine models like the Rockwell Commander. Night flights require additional safety precautions,noted NTSB spokesperson Mara Whitman during a 2022 safety conference.
Victim identification remains pending as authorities coordinate with relatives. Local residents reported hearing unusual engine noises prior to the crash, though these accounts remain unverified.