Piper PA-32 Plane Crash on I-285 in DeKalb County

[kellyhound]

A tragic plane crash occurred near Atlanta on I-285 near Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, claiming the lives of four individuals and a pet. The Piper PA-32, piloted by Greg Byrd from Asheville, North Carolina, crashed shortly after taking off from DeKalb-Peachtree Airport around 10 a.m.

The passengers on board were identified as Phillip Byrd and Christopher Byrd, sons of the pilot, along with Christopher's fiancée, Jackie Kulzer, all of Atlanta. The family was en route to attend the graduation of Greg's son, Robert Byrd, from the University of Mississippi.

Brandi Hephner LaBanc, Vice Chancellor for student affairs at the University of Mississippi, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. "The university is always saddened when we lose members of the Ole Miss family, and we are heartbroken at the news of this tragedy. The circumstances of the accident, coming on the eve of Commencement, make it even more heartrending. We offer our prayers to Robert Byrd, his extended family and their friends, and will do everything we can to offer support and comfort during this time."

Jackie Kulzer was remembered by her alma mater, St. Pius X Catholic High School in DeKalb County, where she graduated in 2006. The school described her as a "wonderful young lady, very popular, energetic, out-going individual that was always concerned about others." She was also noted for her involvement in cheerleading and various campus organizations. The school community extended its thoughts and prayers to the Kulzer family.

The crash site on I-285 was a scene of narrow escape for several motorists, including a firefighter, as the plane narrowly missed two cars. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and the incident has raised concerns about aviation safety, particularly in areas close to major highways and residential zones.

[MeMyselfandI]

Sucks

[danielsan]

[durt]

[fishbone]

Ugh. This is one of the things I always worry about on takeoff. I've read somewhere that the plane developed some kind of power loss on takeoff and in that area, there's really not a good place to set down. It's a lot like the Harrison Ford crash a few months ago, except I didn't see anywhere that this pilot tried making the turn back to the airport. Looking at the map, it looks like he tried to set down straight ahead (or off at a slight angle) as we're taught, but clearly there wasn't a good place to go. Sucks.

I had a fuel pump fail once just before rotation speed was reached and was able to exit the runway without a problem. Ever since then, I'm skittish as fuck about it happening right after leaving the ground.

[Soar]

Originally Posted by fishbone

I had a fuel pump fail once just before rotation speed was reached and was able to exit the runway without a problem. Ever since then, I'm skittish as fuck about it happening right after leaving the ground.

Heart beats just that little bit faster until you've got a bit of altitude huh.

[vlvtdemise]

I work in this around and was just exciting the highway when in happened. Crazy stuff, but in Atlanta, it's
always something..

[K53]

One minute life is great
then.......

[estell2010]

Additional video

[SuchAClassicGirl]

This has happened before. I lived in Atlanta between 95-01 and a plane landed on either 285 or I-40 but actually landed on TOP of a car. I'll see if I can find the story