Investigation Underway After Tragic Incident at Barwick-LaFayette Airport
A tragic plane crash at Barwick-LaFayette Airport in Georgia on Thursday, March 20, has left two individuals dead after their small aircraft caught fire during landing. The crash, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time, involved a Cirrus SR22, a private, single-engine low-wing aircraft. Following the impact, the plane reportedly exploded several times, setting the surrounding runway ablaze.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the details of the incident in a statement shared with multiple media outlets, including PEOPLE. Officials stated that both passengers on board were licensed pilots and did not survive the crash.
Victims Identified as Local Pilots
Authorities later identified the victims as 48-year-old Rusell Edward Jones and 52-year-old Steven Boyd Powell, both of whom were well-known in the local aviation community. LaFayette Public Safety Director Stacey Meeks confirmed their deaths and expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.
Speaking with WTVC, Meeks stated, “Our hearts go out to them. It’s a very tragic and horrific thing to see. And you know, we do have a lot of sympathy for them. It’s terrible what they’re having to endure right now.” He further revealed that the crash took place “at the north end of the runway,” a location that was quickly engulfed in flames due to the multiple explosions triggered by the impact.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene but were hindered by the intense flames and thick smoke, which consumed the aircraft and threatened to spread across the area. The wreckage made immediate rescue efforts nearly impossible.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now leading a full investigation into the cause of the crash, alongside the FAA. Initial reports have not yet confirmed whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or weather conditions played a role in the tragic accident.
Community in Shock After Deadly Crash
The small community of LaFayette, Georgia, is grieving the loss of two of its own. Residents described the moment the plane went down as shocking and surreal. Gabrielle Herston, a nearby worker, told WTVC she heard a loud crash but had no idea it came from the nearby airport.
“I didn’t think it happened somewhere so close to home,” Herston said. “I just moved back down to the area, so being down here and hearing something like that was kind of shocking.”
The Barwick-LaFayette Airport, used primarily for private flights and training purposes, has not experienced a crash of this magnitude in recent memory. Officials have temporarily closed the facility as investigations proceed.
Local authorities are also providing grief counseling and support services for witnesses, first responders, and anyone affected by the tragic event.
A Twin Sister’s Heartfelt Tribute
Among the voices mourning the loss was Stephanie Jean Powell McCarthy, the twin sister of Steven Boyd Powell. Her emotional tribute, posted on Facebook, resonated deeply with readers across social media.
“My world has been put upside down. We were more than just siblings; we were twins, and our bond was unlike any other,” Stephanie wrote. “Losing my twin is like losing a part of myself. He was my other half, my constant companion, and my best friend.”
She added, “I am struggling to find the words to express the depth of my sorrow. This is a loss that will forever be felt, and I am heartbroken. I will miss him dearly, and his memory will live on in my heart.”
Steven Boyd Powell, known for his dedication to aviation and his tight-knit relationship with his family, was remembered as a kind, enthusiastic, and experienced pilot. Friends and fellow aviation enthusiasts have also begun to share tributes online, expressing their devastation and offering support to the victims’ families.
The community plans to organize a candlelight vigil at the LaFayette Municipal Park in honor of Jones and Powell later this week. The date and time are expected to be announced shortly.
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