FAA probes aircraft emergency landing

By By William F. West / community editor
Sept. 14, 2002
The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to continue its investigation into the emergency landing of a Meridian man's plane in a cornfield near Hernando.
Brian Edwards, owner of Edwards Aviation, said his twin-engine Piper Apache was returning from Arkansas when both engines stalled about 7 p.m. Thursday.
The plane made a belly landing in the cornfield, avoiding nearby Interstate 55 and U.S. 51. Edwards was at home in Meridian at the time.
Edwards said the plane was carrying a pilot and two passengers, including Macon resident George Mayfield. Edwards didn't know the name of the second passenger, but he identified the pilot as Michael Humphries.
Edwards said no one was hurt in the accident.
Edwards, 32, a salesman, said he owned the 3,800-pound aircraft for about two years and used it for business as well as personal trips.
He said he was letting Mayfield use the plane to fly to Arkansas and film a wildlife program. Mayfield owns The Roost, a hunting lodge near Aliceville, Ala.
FAA officials in Jackson declined to comment about the emergency landing or their investigation. Edwards said the plane will be brought back to Meridian for the investigation.