Audio recording of fatal plane crash near Charlottesville, Virginia

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash of a single-engine plane near Charlottesville, Va.

In a post on X, the agency said a Beech V35B plane (tail number N2UZ) crashed in northern Albemarle County on Saturday. Local news reports state the crash site is located just off East Monacan Drive. The pilot, the only person aboard the plane, died in the accident.

An audio recording of communications between Charlottesville Airport and the pilot posted to the Internet provided some details before the crash. The pilot reported an emergency 10 miles south of Charlottesville's airport.

“Declaring an emergency,” the pilot reported. “I’m 10 miles south. Just lost my engine. I hope I make the airport.”

Charlottesville airport tower gave Highway 29 and a few golf courses in the area as alternate landing spots if he didn’t reach the airport.

“2 Uniform Zulu is not gonna make it,” the pilot reported. “I’m gonna go for a field in front of me. Three or four miles south of the airport.”

Watching air traffic control radar in the tower, Charlottesville controllers asked two pilots flying in the local area to begin searching for the aircraft on the ground. One of those aircraft was the Civil Air Patrol trained in search and rescue.

Fire and rescue units found the aircraft later. The plane was destroyed by a post-crash fire.

The plane is registered to Brent E. Hippert of Titusville, Fla., according to Federal Aviation Administration records. The pilot was enroute to Charlottesville from Richmond County Airport, N.C.

Premier Private Jets purchases Aviation Sales Inc. FBO in Dayton

Premier Private Jets, a provider of charter flights, airport services, and maintenance, is significantly expanding its presence at its Dayton, Ohio, hub with the acquisition of Aviation Sales Incorporated (ASI), a fixed-base operator (FBO) at James M. Cox Dayton International Airport. The announcement, made on Thursday, marks a strategic move to enhance service capabilities and customer experience in the region.

“With the acquisition of ASI, we'll have more capacity and capability for maintenance customers, local operators, and transient traffic,” stated Premier's CEO Josh Birmingham in a company press release. He emphasized the importance of ASI's experienced staff, adding, "An FBO is more than fuel trucks and a lounge. It is the dedicated employees who understand safe and proper aircraft handling and create a great customer experience and repeat business. We will have that with ASI."

This acquisition builds upon Premier's commitment to Dayton, following its late 2023 purchase of a major maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) base previously slated for closure. Premier successfully revitalized the MRO, preserving jobs and establishing a comprehensive service center offering airframe, engine, avionics, paint, and interior services. The MRO boasts a growing network of upgrade supplier relationships, featuring the latest Garmin and Universal flight deck systems, Blackhawk engine upgrades, and Raisbeck modifications.

The existing, smaller FBO at the MRO base will be integrated into the larger ASI facility this month, offering a broader range of services to customers. ASI, with 67 years of experience at Dayton, brings to Premier a substantial 20,000 square feet of hangar and office space alongside 195,000 square feet of ramp space.

The acquired facility will be led by General Manager Matthew Spaugy. Beyond serving its existing clientele, Premier plans to leverage the expanded capabilities to support larger, commercial-sized aircraft, including those anticipated for sports team charters visiting Dayton for the upcoming NCAA Final Four in March. To accommodate these larger aircraft, Premier is investing in equipment such as belt loaders, air stairs, large de-icing equipment, and additional ground power units.

The new facility will become a key component of the PremierFBO network, joining its existing location at Oakland County International Airport in Pontiac, Mich. Premier also maintains a smaller MRO facility in Stuart, Fla., where the company is headquartered.