Star City, AR – A Star City man was killed Thursday evening after his homemade ultralight aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from the local municipal airport.
According to Arkansas State Police, the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday when James West, 53, attempted to lift off from Star City Municipal Airport. Witnesses reported the aircraft appeared to stall during a turn and struck a tree before hitting the ground.
Emergency personnel from EASI Ambulance Services, the Star City Police Department, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded alongside state troopers. First responders administered lifesaving efforts on-site before West was transported to Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both been notified and will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Authorities have not confirmed whether weather, mechanical failure, or pilot error may have contributed to the fatal incident.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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