Asheville -- September 20, 2026: A small private plane crashed in an Arden field late Saturday morning, but a rapid and coordinated response from local emergency services and the N.C. State Highway Patrol ensured the pilot and passenger were transported to Mission Hospital in stable condition.
Troopers were called to a field off Roberts Lake Drive in Arden, Buncombe County, around 10:49 a.m. for a reported plane crash. The aircraft, identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Cirrus SR20, experienced "some type of issue," which a summarized report based on State Highway Patrol information specified as engine failure. The plane deployed its onboard parachute system, a feature of the Cirrus SR20, which troopers said helped slow it before impact.
Upon arrival, emergency medical services (EMS) crews quickly assessed and treated the two occupants, a pilot and a passenger, at the scene. Both individuals were described as injured but stable and were promptly transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville for further evaluation and care. The swift medical attention and transport were critical in managing their injuries.
The N.C. State Highway Patrol took command of the scene, securing the crash site off Roberts Lake Drive, which is near Asheville Regional Airport and approximately 15 miles south of Asheville. Troopers maintained public safety and coordinated with federal authorities. The scene was secured pending the arrival of investigators from both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who will work to determine the precise cause of the crash. The FAA indicated a preliminary report would be issued in the coming days.
The successful outcome, with both occupants surviving and reported in stable condition, underscores the effectiveness of both the aircraft's safety features and the rapid, organized response by local emergency personnel. The coordinated efforts of the N.C. State Highway Patrol and local EMS were instrumental in managing the immediate aftermath of the incident and ensuring the well-being of those involved.