Plane crash survival

North Carolina couple Dustin Davis and Autumn Davis survived a terrifying private plane crash with minor injuries while flying to their beach house.

“We didn't know if it was going to be a field. We didn't know if it'd be trees. We didn't know if it'd be a couple houses with no lights on, a barn”

Flight details

The couple flew their single-engine Piper PA-32 from Hickory to Ocean Isle Beach, a 40-minute trip to their $780,000 beach house.

Engine failure

During the flight, the plane's engine sputtered and lost power, causing a rapid descent at 1,000 feet per minute.

Emergency response

Davis contacted air traffic control but the nearest airport was eight miles away, too far for the plane to reach with limited engine power.

Landing maneuver

Davis turned left to land in trees, slowing the plane to 84mph before letting the belly take the impact.

Impact details

The plane landed six feet off the ground in a tree that held them like a glove, causing only minor injuries.

Injuries

Davis suffered a black eye from hitting his head on the dashboard, while Autumn felt soreness in her neck and back.

Dogs unscathed

Both dogs, Sophie and Royce, survived the crash without injuries.

Reflections

Davis said the experience taught him to focus on what truly matters rather than financial stress or personal conflicts.

Plane details

Davis owned the Piper PA-32 for six years and it had passed its annual inspection.

Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the engine failure and crash.