In a devastating event that unfolded in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, a 27-year-old woman named Samantha Hayes was fatally struck by the wing of a small airplane while she was riding a lawn mower next to an airport runway.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Samantha Hayes was on a riding lawn mower next to the runway at Broken Bow Municipal Airport when she was struck by the wing of a Bonanza A36 airplane. The pilot, James Baxter, was coming in for a landing and noticed Hayes only after touching down on the runway.
Despite his attempts to pull the aircraft up to fly over her, the wing struck Hayes, leading to her immediate death. Samantha Hayes was a single mother of three children, and her untimely demise has left a void in their lives.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Federal Aviation Administration are currently investigating the incident. Questions are being raised about whether Hayes was wearing reflective clothing and if she had even noticed the incoming plane.
"We’re investigating whether any charges could [be] filed against the pilot," said Highway Patrol spokesperson Sara Stewart. The authorities are examining multiple aspects of the incident to determine if it was an unavoidable tragedy or if there were lapses in safety measures.
This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures at local airports. While the investigations are ongoing, the incident has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the community and especially the family of Samantha Hayes. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.