Pilot dies in North Myrtle Beach plane crash, coroner says

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - A pilot died after their plane crashed in North Myrtle Beach on Saturday.

Horry County Deputy Coroner Michelle McSpadden said 56-year-old David Flading died of traumatic injuries after his plane went down at the Grand Strand Regional Airport at around 2 p.m.

The coroner added that Flading lived in the Myrtle Beach area for more than 20 years after moving from Pennsylvania.

The Federal Aviation Administration said a Flading was flying a single-engine Piper PA-12, more commonly known as a “banner plane.”

The City of North Myrtle Beach said fire and rescue crews responded to the crash, along with the North Myrtle Beach Police Department and Horry County Fire Rescue.

WMBF News also spoke with a man nearby who saw the scene moments after the plane crashed.

“I heard the fire engines and the medical squads come through our back road here,” said Bob Dorsey. “I knew something happened. I came out of the house and went down to the end as the fire trucks were coming in and I could see the plane nose down with the tail up in the air.”

A co-worker Flading spoke to WMBF News on Sunday, calling him “a great pilot who loved flying” and “a genuine and kind person who greeted me every morning with a smile.”

“I will miss his friendship,” she said.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are both investigating.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.