A small plane crash in LaFayette, Georgia on March 20, 2025, claimed the lives of two men in a devastating accident that occurred during a landing attempt at Barwick–LaFayette Airport. The aircraft, a single-engine Cirrus SR22, caught fire upon impact, resulting in a fatal post-crash explosion.
The victims have been identified as Russell Edward Jones, 48, of LaFayette, and Steven Boyd Powell, 52, of Cartersville. According to officials, the aircraft was attempting to land when it descended in an unusual position and crashed near the runway. The impact left a large debris field, which has since been secured for further examination. Cell phones and other items were found outside the aircraft, indicating the force of the crash.
Aviation Accidents and Legal Rights for Surviving Families
While the exact cause of the LaFayette crash has yet to be determined, accidents involving small, privately owned aircraft often raise serious safety concerns. Unlike commercial airlines, which operate under strict federal oversight, private planes are typically maintained and operated with far less regulatory scrutiny. This can lead to lapses in aircraft inspections, overlooked mechanical issues, or outdated equipment being used in active flight.
Pilot qualifications and training are also critical factors in aviation safety. Even licensed pilots can face challenges when flying complex aircraft, especially during landing approaches — one of the riskiest phases of flight. In some cases, private pilots may not receive the same level of recurrent training or simulator time that commercial aviators undergo, potentially increasing the likelihood of human error in high-stress situations.
Beyond pilot error or maintenance problems, third-party negligence can also play a role in private aircraft accidents. If a flight school, maintenance provider, manufacturer, or parts supplier failed to meet safety standards or delivered defective equipment, they may share responsibility for a crash. In such cases, surviving family members may be able to pursue legal action through a wrongful death claim.
These claims allow families to seek accountability and compensation when someone’s death is caused by another party’s negligence or failure to act responsibly. In aviation cases, that could involve faulty repairs, manufacturing defects, or inadequate airport conditions. An experienced aviation accident lawyer can help families identify who may be liable and gather the technical evidence needed to support a legal case.
When a loved one is killed in a plane crash, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. An experienced aviation accident attorney can help investigate the circumstances of the crash, preserve key evidence, and determine whether the family may be entitled to compensation. This can include recovery for funeral expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and more.
There have been a number of recent plane accidents in 2025. A United Airlines flight en route to Houston, Texas had to make an emergency landing in Waco, Texas following severe turbulence on March 2, 2025. A Cirrus SR22 crashed at Grand Strand Airport in North Myrtle Beach on Thursday, March, 6, 2025. A Beechcraft Bonanza crashed in Manheim Township, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, March 9, 2025. A Cessna Citation Jet crashed in Mesquite, Texas on March 13, 2025. A Beechcraft Bonanza crashed near Pitt-Greenville Airport in North Carolina on March 14, 2025.
Contact an Aviation Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in airplane and helicopter crashes. Our legal team understands the complexity of aviation litigation and works closely with experts to get answers and seek justice for those left behind.
If you have lost a family member in a plane crash, call us at 713-804-9306 for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to support you through the legal process and help you hold the responsible parties accountable.