North Carolina
Pilot in deadly crash tried to dodge turtle on North Carolina runway, NTSB finds
A small private plane tried to dodge a turtle on a North Carolina runway before crashing into a wooded area earlier this month, killing the pilot and a passenger on board, officials said.
The pilot of the Universal Stinson 108 was attempting to touch down at Sugar Valley Airport just before noon on June 3 when a communications operator advised that the shelled reptile was on the runway, according to a National Transportation Safety Board preliminary report released Friday.
The pilot initially landed the plane about halfway down the 2,424-foot runway, then lifted the right main wheel and advanced the throttle to take off again in an attempt to avoid the terrapin, the report said.
The operator told officials she lost sight of the aircraft shortly before it crashed into a heavily wooded area roughly 255 feet past the runway and burst into flames in Mocksville, about 60 miles north of Charlotte.
The plane was found wedged between several trees and largely intact, except for a few pieces of fabric discovered in a nearby stream, officials said.
A man cutting grass near the end of the runway also witnessed the pilot lift the wheel to spare the turtle, then saw the plane’s wings rocking as it took off again — before losing sight of the aircraft and later hearing a loud crash followed by billowing smoke.
A second passenger was seriously injured in the crash.
The victims’ identities have not been released.
The wreckage and engine were preserved after the crash for further examination.
The deadly incident occurred nearly two months after a rabbit was sucked into a United Airlines plane’s engine, sparking a fire and forcing an emergency landing.
Shocking footage captured flames shooting from one of the engines shortly after the Canada-bound plane departed Denver International Airport in Colorado.
The FAA reported more than 20,000 aircraft wildlife strikes in 2024 alone — most of them birds.
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — You can expect some stormy weather and hot temperatures this weekend in central North Carolina.
Scattered storms are possible both Saturday and Sunday during the afternoon and evening hours, with more widespread coverage expected on Sunday (40-50% of central NC could see rain). Temperatures will remain in the lower 90s for both days.
This comes after significant flooding across the Triangle and central North Carolina causing road closures as Chantal moved through the area.
SEE ALSO: Heat Safety Tips: Ways to stay cool during the heat wave
Looking Ahead
Our attention turns to a storm system over southern Canada and the Great Lakes/Northeast, along with a cold front. This front will bring widespread thunderstorms on Monday, with the potential for damaging winds and flash flooding.
Rain chances will continue into Tuesday and Wednesday, with widespread storm coverage persisting. Despite the front, temperatures and humidity will remain typical for summer through next week.
Later in the week, tropical moisture could bring heavier and more widespread showers and thunderstorms.
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The North Carolina Zoo is raising its admission prices for the first time in a decade.
The new fees will begin on Monday, July 14.
Children under 3 years old will be admitted free year-round. Previously free admission was only available for those under the age of 2.
Groups of more than 15 people or guests of zoo members receive a slight discount as well. Guests using NC EBT benefits are also admitted at a discount.
“The updated pricing helps ensure that the Zoo can meet rising operational costs while remaining one of the most affordable, family-friendly destinations in the heart of North Carolina,” says Diane Villa, Deputy Director.
The price increases are about $3 per ticket.
Updated admission prices during Peak Season (March 15-Nov. 15)
- Child (Ages 3-12) – $14 (online), $16 (on-site)
- Adult – $18 (online), $20 (on-site)
- Senior (Ages 62+) – $16 (online), $18 (on-site)
- College student with ID – $16 (online), $18 (on-site)
- Military member with ID – $16 (online), $18 (on-site)
Updated admission prices during Low Season (Nov. 16 – March 14)
- Child (Ages 3-12) – $10 (online), $11 (on-site)
- Adult – $14 (online), $15 (on-site)
- Senior (Ages 62+) – $12 (online), $13 (on-site)
- College student with ID – $12 (online), $13 (on-site)
- Military member with ID – $12 (online), $13 (on-site)
North Carolina
North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital set to bring 8,000 jobs to a Raleigh suburb
The project has already received $320 million from state legislators. The next state budget, still being negotiated by House and Senate Republicans that ultimately would head to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s desk, also could contain more project funds.
Stein said in an interview Thursday that beyond the economic opportunity the project will spark, ”I’m really excited about what the children’s hospital means for children of North Carolina who are sick and in need of the best, most sophisticated, advanced medical interventions to live long, healthy lives.”
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