Woman on Lawnmower Struck and Killed by Plane

In Broken Bow, Oklahoma, a woman riding a lawnmower next to an airport runway was struck and killed by the wing of a small airplane, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP).

According to an OHP report, Samantha Hayes, 27, of Idabel, died Friday at Broken Bow Municipal Airport, about 185 miles (298 kilometers) southeast of Oklahoma City.

James Baxter, the pilot of the single-engine aircraft, a Bonanza A36, told investigators he saw Hayes after touching down on the runway about 2:30 p.m. and tried to pull up and fly over her, but the wing hit her, the OHP said.

"We're investigating whether any charges could filed against the pilot," OHP spokesperson Sarah Stewart said Monday, "Did the pilot do anything wrong or was this just unavoidable?"

Stewart stated that other questions about the episode remained under investigation, including whether the woman wore reflective clothing and even saw the airplane.

Stewart said the Federal Aviation Administration was investigating potential regulatory violations regarding the pilot and the aircraft. The FAA has not immediately commented on the situation at this time.

The Broken Bow city manager, also listed as the airport manager, has followed the FAA's suit, not yet stating anything about the incident.