The Huntsville, Alabama, community is mourning the loss of Andrew Frederick Nichols, 30, who was killed in a small-plane crash Friday morning in Lexington County, South Carolina. Nichols was a passenger aboard a single-engine aircraft that went down while attempting an emergency landing, according to authorities.
The crash involved a Cirrus SR22, which departed Columbia Metropolitan Airport at approximately 9 a.m. and was headed to Decatur, Alabama. About 25 minutes into the flight, investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the aircraft experienced an apparent engine failure.
Officials reported that the pilot attempted to divert to White Plains Airport (SC-99) near Gilbert. The plane ultimately crashed roughly 1,800 feet short of the runway, striking trees before sustaining damage to both wings. The aircraft then rolled nearly 200 feet and came to rest upside down near Windy Road.
Despite the violent impact, authorities confirmed the plane did not catch fire. The pilot survived the crash and was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. Nichols, however, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lexington County Coroner’s Office.
Investigators noted that the aircraft was equipped with a ballistic parachute system, a safety feature designed to slow a plane’s descent during emergencies, but it was not deployed. The NTSB said the system must be safely disarmed before the wreckage can be removed. Once secured, the aircraft will be transported to Georgia for a more detailed examination.
The federal investigation will include a review of the pilot’s credentials, the plane’s maintenance records, air traffic communications, and available flight data. Early findings indicate weather was not a factor, as conditions were clear with light winds at the time of the crash.
Nichols’ death has left family and friends grieving the sudden loss of a young man remembered for his kindness, loyalty, and quiet strength. Loved ones described him as someone deeply connected to those around him and full of plans for the future.
While investigators work to determine the precise cause of the crash, those closest to Andrew Nichols say their focus remains on honoring his life and supporting one another through an unimaginable loss. Further updates are expected as the NTSB investigation continues.