‘It’s a miracle;’ Couple survives small plane crash in Columbus County

COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WWAY-TV) — The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a small plane crashed into a wooded area in Columbus County late Wednesday night.

The single-engine Piper PA-32, identified as being from Newton, North Carolina, went down near Rough and Ready Road and Shade Fisher Road, south of Whiteville and near the Columbus County Municipal Airport.

Virginia Norris, who lives across the street from the crash site, said she was in bed when she heard a loud noise.

“I had just gone to bed and I heard this real loud boom,” Norris said.

She initially thought the sound was thunder until she looked out her window.

“I saw cops, the most cops I have ever seen in my life,” Norris said.

Columbus County Emergency Services said a call about the crash came in around 10 p.m. Wednesday from an airport in Myrtle Beach.

Investigators said the plane flew over a field before crashing into the woods.

A husband and wife and their two dogs were aboard the plane. All four made it out of the crash safely.

The couple was taken to a hospital for medical evaluations.

“It is just a blessing they did not get hurt, it’s a miracle,” Norris said.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.