Plane crash kills two people from Spartanburg County near the North Carolina border

Tabor City, NC – Two individuals from Spartanburg County, South Carolina, were killed on Saturday, June 14, 2025, when a twin-engine plane they were traveling in crashed near the South Carolina-North Carolina state border. The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released by authorities, pending family notification.

The small aircraft, identified as N82UC, departed from Spartanburg Downtown Airport at approximately 11:30 a.m. EDT, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight records. Its intended destination was Myrtle Beach. However, flight trackers show the plane diverting from its path, circling, and then crossing into North Carolina before disappearing from radar at approximately 12:44 p.m. near Tabor City, North Carolina.

Chief Jeff Fowler of the Tabor City Fire Department reported that rescue crews were dispatched to a heavily wooded area around Old Dolthan Road on Saturday afternoon following reports of the crash. The challenging terrain and subsequent heavy rains significantly hampered search efforts, with crews requiring nearly two hours and helicopter assistance to locate the wreckage.

Sheriff Bill Rogers of Columbus County, North Carolina, stated that the six-seat private plane “fell off radar near the state line.” He further described the crash site as a “very thickly wooded area,” with debris scattered across a long swath through the trees. A deputy riding with a private helicopter pilot was instrumental in spotting the crash site from the air, noting a single broken tree as a key indicator.

The scene has been secured, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and is now leading the investigation into the cause of the fatal crash. Details regarding potential mechanical failures, weather conditions, or other contributing factors will be thoroughly examined as part of their inquiry.

As the community grapples with this tragic loss, further updates, including the identities of the victims and preliminary findings from the NTSB investigation, are expected to be released as more information becomes available.