UNC Health Pilot and Physician Hospitalized Following Small Plane Crash

UNC Health Pilot and Physician Injured in Small Plane Crash at Raleigh-Durham International Airport

In a harrowing incident on Wednesday, a small plane crash at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) left both a pilot and a physician injured, according to UNC Health and RDU Airport officials. The aircraft involved was none other than a medical plane from UNC Air Operations, ferrying Dr. Paul Chelminski, an esteemed internal medicine physician affiliated with UNC Health, back from a lecture at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Dr. Chelminski, described as being in good condition, was promptly transported to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Fox News Digital. However, the pilot of the UNC Air flight, whose identity remains undisclosed, was rushed to Duke University Hospital in Durham, with no further details on their condition provided.

Notably, Dr. Chelminski is not only a seasoned physician with UNC Health but also holds positions as a professor of medicine and adjunct professor of pharmacy, as per his online biography with the UNC School of Medicine.

A chilling visual of the aftermath was captured by WRAL/WRAZ's helicopter, revealing the small plane wreckage strewn across the ground at RDU Airport on April 24, 2024. The severity of the crash prompted the closure of the airfield, disrupting flight operations. Despite this, one runway was reopened for departing and arriving flights before noon, as confirmed in a subsequent tweet by the airport.

Eyewitness accounts, including insights from aviation expert Jim Crouse, suggest that the crash may have occurred during approach or shortly after touchdown. Speculations abound about the cause, though no official disclosure has been made. The investigation now rests with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as reported by ABC11.

As the details continue to emerge, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in aviation and the resilience required in the face of adversity.

For more on this developing story, stay tuned to Fox News.

Identification of Crashed Plane and Condolences from UNC Health

Local reports, along with aerial footage from WRAL, have confirmed the crashed plane's tail number as N228CH, registered as a Socata TBM-850 aircraft, as per records from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This revelation adds further detail to the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

In response to the accident, UNC Health released a statement expressing condolences and solidarity with the affected individuals and their families. "Our thoughts are with their families and loved ones, and we're grateful to the first responders who helped following the accident," the statement reads, reflecting the somber mood surrounding the aftermath of the crash.

As authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crash, the community mourns the loss and offers support to those impacted by this unfortunate event.

In conclusion, the identification of the crashed plane and the heartfelt condolences from UNC Health underscore the gravity of the situation following the small plane crash at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. With the tail number confirmed and expressions of sympathy extended, the community stands in solidarity with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. As investigations progress and the full extent of the incident becomes clearer, the collective hope remains for answers, healing, and a renewed commitment to safety in aviation.