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Friday, February 25

Experimental aircraft crashes in West Blocton Sunday evening

Pilot said to be in “serious” condition

By Daniel L. Bamberg

On the afternoon of Sunday, February 6, around 5 p.m. an experimental aircraft crashed into the woods just off of Mt. Carmel Drive in West Blocton.

The pilot, Bill Belcher of Brent was airlifted from the scene.  The Federal Aviation Administration stated on Sunday night that the pilot’s injuries were “serious,” but few other details were released.

Belcher was the only man on board the craft.  LifeSaver Helicopter landed at West Blocton High School and received Belcher who was taken from the crash site to the rescue aircraft by ambulance.  West Blocton Police Department, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department, South Bibb Rescue, Bibb County EMA, and the West Blocton Volunteer Fire Department were on the scene moments after being notified of the accident.

On the evening of the accident news crews were being kept away from the site as it was being taped off.  The crash occurred on private property.

According to those who have seen the experimental craft in action, it appeared to some to look like a flying motorcycle.  FAA Spokesperson, Kathleen Bergen told members of the media that the aircraft was a homemade Firestar single engine plane. 

As of press time the FAA was investigating the cause of the crash.  West Blocton Chief of Police Keith Whatley was working the crash with the FAA as well as other local entities on Monday morning just before the story went to press. 

 Photo courtesy of MyFox.Al.com

 

 

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