MONROE — Michael Branch of Charlotte and Randy Hinson ofMooresville were flying a twin-engine plane to Myrtle Beach, S.C.,Saturday, when Branch complained of chest pains.
Branch, 47, tried to turn the plane around after taking offshortly after noon from Monroe Airport, according to Capt. David Simpsonof the county public safety office.
As Branch collapsed, Hinson took over the controls, apparently tryingto land the plane on a service road. Instead, the plane came down amongsome trees.
Branch was dead on arrival at Union Regional Medical Center. Hinson,53, was treated and released.
A witness saw the plane go down and notified authorities. Officialswith the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.
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