South Carolina, United States: Three people were injured Tuesday evening when a small aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in a field near Union County, South Carolina, local authorities confirmed. The incident, which occurred around 7:15 p.m. EDT in the 3100 block of Old Buncombe Road, prompted a rapid response from emergency services.
According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the single-engine plane experienced a mechanical issue while in flight, forcing the pilot to attempt a diversion to Union County Airport. Unable to safely reach the runway, the aircraft was directed down into an open field near the airport.
Eyewitnesses described seeing the plane descend rapidly before touching down roughly in the center of the field, sustaining visible damage to its fuselage and landing gear. “It looked like the pilot did everything possible to bring it down safely,” one local resident told reporters.
All three occupants on board the pilot and two passengers were transported by Union County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to a nearby hospital. Authorities have confirmed that their injuries were non-life-threatening.
Emergency personnel, including Union County Fire and Rescue and the county’s Emergency Management Department, were on the scene within minutes, providing care, securing the area, and coordinating with law enforcement.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified and will lead the investigation into the cause of the forced landing. While initial reports point to a mechanical issue, investigators will also review maintenance records, pilot reports, weather conditions, and other factors that may have contributed to the incident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also been requested to assist, as is standard procedure in civil aviation accidents involving injury or significant aircraft damage.
At this time, authorities have not disclosed further details about the aircraft, including its make, model, tail number, or flight plan. Officials cautioned the public against speculating about the cause until investigators complete a preliminary assessment.
