James Brannon West Obituary, Death – A fatal aviation accident occurred Thursday evening near the Star City Municipal Airport, claiming the life of a local pilot after his ultralight aircraft went down just moments after takeoff. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident and said deputies were called to the crash site at approximately 7:06 p.m. on August 21.
When officers arrived, they found the wreckage of a small, single-engine ultralight plane in a tree line close to the airport. The crash site suggested the pilot had attempted to turn back toward the runway but was unable to regain control before the aircraft stalled and plunged into the trees. The aircraft sustained heavy damage, with debris scattered across the wooded area.
According to officials, the victim was identified as 53-year-old James Brannon West of Star City. Reports indicate that West had been testing the ultralight plane when the fatal accident happened. Witnesses who were present at the airport at the time of takeoff said the plane seemed to suffer an engine failure shortly after leaving the runway.
One witness, who was filming the takeoff on a device, told authorities that the engine appeared to sputter. The pilot attempted to turn back toward the airstrip, but the maneuver caused the aircraft to stall. With too little altitude and speed to recover, the plane nose-dived directly into the nearby trees. The witness immediately called 911 and rushed to the scene, attempting CPR and other life-saving efforts until emergency personnel arrived.
First responders treated West at the crash site, but his injuries were severe and life-threatening. He was transported to Jefferson Regional Medical Center for advanced care. Sadly, despite the efforts of medical teams, West succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The tragic accident has left the Star City community mourning the loss of West, who was well-known locally. Friends and aviation enthusiasts described him as a passionate pilot who enjoyed flying and experimenting with small aircraft. His death has underscored the risks often associated with ultralight aviation, where limited safety equipment and low-altitude flying can leave little room for error in emergencies.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified of the incident and is expected to lead an investigation into the cause of the crash. Investigators will examine the wreckage, engine components, and any available witness video to determine what caused the aircraft to fail so soon after takeoff. Findings from the FAA will help clarify whether mechanical malfunction, design flaws, or other factors contributed to the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, aviation officials are reminding pilots of the importance of preflight checks and training, particularly when testing new or experimental aircraft. While ultralight planes are popular among hobbyists for their accessibility, their lightweight design makes them particularly vulnerable during engine failures.
For now, the Star City community grieves the sudden and devastating loss of James Brannon West, a pilot whose final flight ended just moments after it began.
