Two people lost their lives in a tragic airplane crash near the North Carolina-South Carolina state line on Saturday, June 14, 2025. According to officials with the Tabor City Fire Department, the Beech BE58 aircraft was traveling from Spartanburg, South Carolina to Myrtle Beach when it diverted and ultimately crashed in a wooded area near Old Dothan Road and NC 905 outside of Tabor City.
The aircraft, registered to Majesty Air Inc., initially attempted to land at Grand Strand Airport but took off again before the fatal descent. The crash was reported at approximately 1:00 p.m. and prompted an immediate response from local fire and rescue teams. Sadly, both individuals onboard—a man and a woman—were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released pending next of kin notification.
Ongoing NTSB and FAA Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed control of the investigation. Officials have confirmed that the inquiry will focus on three key aspects: the pilot, the aircraft, and the surrounding environment.
Investigators plan to review:
- Air traffic control audio and flight path data
- Aircraft maintenance records
- Weather conditions at the time of the crash
- The pilot’s flight credentials and medical history
- Surveillance video and electronic devices recovered from the wreckage
- Witness statements and possible recordings from nearby homes
The airplane reached a cruising altitude of 6,850 feet at 11:40 a.m., with the last tracking logged at 12:44 p.m., just minutes before the crash.
Risks and Safety Considerations in Light Aircraft Crashes
Crashes involving general aviation aircraft like the Beech BE58 often involve a range of contributing factors. Investigators will examine whether poor weather conditions, mechanical failure, pilot error, or inadequate flight planning played a role.
Aircraft built in the early 1970s, like the 1972 Beech BE58 involved here, require strict adherence to modern maintenance and inspection protocols. Any lapse in airworthiness directives, avionics updates, or mechanical integrity can drastically increase the risk of failure during flight operations—particularly during landings and diversions.
Legal Options for Families After Fatal Aviation Accidents
When a fatal aviation accident occurs, surviving family members may be entitled to seek legal remedies, especially if the crash resulted from mechanical defects, negligent maintenance, inadequate pilot training, or failures in communication with air traffic control. Potential claims can be brought against aircraft owners, maintenance providers, or other responsible parties depending on the findings of the official investigation.
Compensation may be sought for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income and support
- Emotional distress and loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering prior to death
Preserving evidence early—including maintenance logs, radar and ATC records, and wreckage photographs—is crucial to supporting such claims.
Speak With an Experienced Aviation Accident Attorney
If your family has lost a loved one in an aviation accident, the attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm are here to help. Our aviation accident lawyers have experience handling cases involving private and commercial aircraft and understand the complex technical and legal issues involved.
Call 713-804-9306 for a free, confidential consultation with our team. Let us help you pursue answers, accountability, and compensation in the aftermath of a devastating crash.