A tragic plane crash occurred at Utah Lake near Provo Airport on Friday (September 27, 2024), claiming the lives of two men. The incident unfolded when a Cirrus SR22 aircraft, registered as N831AZ, attempted to land at Provo Airport but was forced to abort due to another plane occupying the runway.

During the go-around maneuver, the SR22 suddenly plummeted, with witnesses alerting the control tower to the aircraft's rapid descent. Air traffic control audio revealed that bystanders observed the plane breaking apart mid-air, with its emergency parachute deployed.

Plane Crash Kills 7

The Utah County Sheriff's Office received reports of the crash at approximately 10:10 a.m. local time. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts confirmed that the SR22 plunged vertically at high speed into Utah Lake. First responders arrived swiftly but found no survivors at the crash site.

A comprehensive search and recovery operation involved Search and Rescue teams, Utah State Parks personnel, and specialized equipment. Cross Marine Projects deployed a recovery barge to raise the submerged fuselage, enabling rescue teams to retrieve the victims' bodies.

Recovery efforts faced significant challenges due to poor visibility in the water and the dispersal of aircraft debris. Many plane fragments were recovered, but the main fuselage remained submerged, partially buried in the lakebed at a depth of about nine feet.

By late Friday evening, rescuers successfully recovered the bodies of both occupants. The Utah County Sheriff's Office identified the victims as 43-year-old Michael Hyrum Cox from St. George, Utah, who was piloting the aircraft, and 46-year-old Mark Andrew Johnson from Washington, Utah, who was the passenger, in the Globaair Cirrus SR22 crash in Utah, North Carolina kill 7 (globalair.com) reported.

NTSB Investigates the Incident

Eyewitnesses reported that the plane was attempting to land when the incident occurred. The Wright Brothers National Memorial confirmed that the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department and other local fire departments responded swiftly to extinguish the fire.

The National Parks Service verified that the crash resulted in five fatalities: four adults and one minor. This devastating incident has shocked the local community and aviation enthusiasts alike.

NTSB investigator Ryan Enders provided details to The Outer Banks Voice about the aircraft's final moments. The SR22 was on a multi-leg flight, having most recently departed from Dare County Regional Airport (MQI). Enders explained that the plane made two passes over the runway, flying southeast. During the second pass, the aircraft veered left and collided with trees beside the runway, igniting upon impact.

In response to the crash, First Flight Airport announced its closure on Monday to assist with the NTSB investigation. The airport anticipates reopening on Tuesday and resuming regular operations.

The NTSB will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, as well as another recent SR22 crash. A preliminary report on both accidents is expected to be released in approximately two weeks. The final report, which may include a probable cause if one can be determined, will be issued in one to two years.