Gilbert, SC (February 6, 2026) – A small aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Whiteplains Airport in Gilbert on Friday morning, leaving one person dead and another seriously injured. Emergency crews responded after receiving an alert about a plane in distress while it was attempting to land at the local airport.
Key Details
- Location: Near Whiteplains Airport (SC99), Gilbert, South Carolina
- Reported: February 6, 2026 at 9:17 a.m.
- Incident type: Small plane crash
- Fatalities: One person confirmed deceased
- Injuries: One person taken to the hospital with serious injuries
- Ground impact: No injuries reported on the ground
What We Know So Far
- The aircraft was attempting to land at Whiteplains Airport when it crashed in a wooded area nearby.
- Lexington County Fire and other emergency responders were alerted after the plane was reported in distress.
- The injured occupant was transported to the hospital, while one person was pronounced dead at the scene.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The specific cause of the crash has not been determined.
- Officials have not released details about the aircraft’s mechanical condition.
- Further information about the moments leading up to the crash has not been confirmed.
Local Context
Whiteplains Airport (SC99) is located in a rural part of Gilbert in Lexington County, surrounded by wooded areas and limited development. When incidents occur near this small airport, emergency access can involve navigating narrow roads and undeveloped land. In this case, the aircraft went down in the woods near the airport, which helped prevent injuries to people on the ground. Lexington County Fire crews and local officials focused on securing the scene and assisting those involved while documenting the location. The airport primarily serves private and local aviation traffic, making coordinated response important during emergencies.
What to Do Next
- If you are involved in or witness an aircraft incident, move to a safe location and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Follow directions from emergency personnel and avoid entering restricted areas near the scene.
- If you saw the incident occur, consider providing a statement to authorities if it is safe to do so.
- Stay alert for official updates as investigators work to confirm details.
FAQ
Q: Why are details limited immediately after an aircraft crash?
A: Information is often restricted early on while responders secure the scene and investigators verify facts.
Q: Why do small plane crashes involve multiple agencies?
A: Aviation incidents typically require local emergency response along with federal investigation.
Q: Who leads the investigation into a plane crash?
A: The National Transportation Safety Board leads the investigation with support from the FAA.
