FOLEY — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating after a gyroplane went down in flames Monday afternoon.
The Magni M-16 pilot had just fueled the aircraft at the Foley Municipal Airport when he attempted to take off. The plane did not get far above the runway when it crashed into the ground, causing a loud boom that startled neighbors.
Foley Fire Chief Joey Darby told reporters the 67-year-old pilot likely died on impact.
"We got here very quickly," Darby said. "Unfortunately, in this case, there was really no help that we could render."
Monday afternoon's weather conditions were cloudy with some rain. 1819 News asked if weather could have played a factor in the crash. Darby said that is unlikely.
"That's a question that we asked," the fire chief responded. "And based on the response we got, that would not have been a factor. These aircraft routinely fly in these types of conditions."
Darby said the pilot, who is from the Foley area, regularly flies the aircraft at the airport and is well-known by those who work there. The man's wife was on the scene after the crash.
"Obviously, there's a victim here," Darby said. "There's a family here involved. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of them."
"… These often are folks that fly together, train together, students, teachers, all those close relationships," he added. "So it's a big, big undertaking and a big impact on the folks here at the airport that they're dealing with the loss of someone as well."
Officials closed the airport for NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration investigators. The airport will remain closed until the scene is fully processed.
The Baldwin County Coroner's office also responded.
The pilot's body will be sent to the Department of Forensics Sciences in Mobile for an autopsy.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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