Injured pilot returns home, crash investigation continues

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
June 13, 2002
Federal Aviation Association officials are still investigating the crash of a single-engine plane Friday at Meridian Regional Airport.
The pilot, dentist Mark Williams of Meridian, released Wednesday from University Medical Center in Jackson. He had been practicing instrument approaches when the crash happened about 2 p.m.
During an instrument approach, a pilot relies only on the readings of his or her instruments to descend below clouds during bad weather and make a safe landing.
A preliminary report filed this week on the FAA's Web site stated that the aircraft lost engine power, crashed and was destroyed, but no other circumstances were known.
FAA officials were in Meridian Friday. Chris Sutton, maintenance supervisor for the Meridian Airport Authority, said FAA officials are due back in town today along with representatives of the company that built the plane's engine, Lycoming, and representatives of the plane manufacturer, Piper to continue the investigation.
Williams, the pilot, was transported from Meridian to UMC following the crash.
A longtime friend and aircraft mechanic, Blanks said Williams was using a walker on Tuesday and was walking on crutches Wednesday. He said Williams suffered a broken pelvis and had to have an ear reattached.