MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — McDowell County officials report three people have been killed in a small plane crash near the Rutherford County line.
According to a press release from McDowell County Emergency Management, a small plane was originally reported missing before crews located the downed aircraft Monday morning.
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the tragic loss of three lives in the downed aircraft located in the Brackett Town Road area off Vein Mountain Road,” emergency crews said in the update.
Officials say the FAA is currently on the scene of the crash. The NTSB has also been dispatched to the crash site and will lead the investigation.
A spokesperson for the FAA tells 828newsNOW there were only three people on board the single-engine Cessna 182 that crashed in the mountains near Rutherfordton around 6:45 a.m. on Monday.
The public was asked to avoid the Brackett Town Road area in order for emergency crews to perform their duties.
According to McDowell County Emergency Management, agencies that responded included: McDowell EMS, Dysartsville Fire Department, Nebo Fire Department, Glenwood Fire Department, McDowell County Rescue, McDowell Sheriff’s Office, NC State Parks, McDowell Emergency Management, McDowell Fire Marshal’s Office, NC Highway Patrol, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Rutherford EMS, Rutherford County EM, and the Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office.