Weekend Is Marked by Disaster

A small plane crashed near Monticello Sky Ranch airstrip Saturday evening, killing the two people aboard.

The aircraft, a RV6A took off, then veered left, and hit the ground resulting in two fatalities, said William Hoogenhaut with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The crash is still under investigation.

The remains of the passengers were taken to the state crime lab for positive identification. As of Wednesday morning, coroner Billy Norris said identities had not been confirmed.

However, according to an article in The Macon Telegraph Tuesday, the pilot was Keith Newcomer of Arcata, Calif., and his passenger was his son, Christopher, seven years old.

Friends in California confirmed that the plane was registered to Mr. Newcomer, and that he frequently traveled to Georgia to visit with his son. Gene Joyce, Mr. Newcomer’s business partner for the past 10 years, recalled flying with Mr. Newcomer, getting aerial views of Arcata and spying whales while out over the ocean. He described Mr. Newcomer as a free spirit who lived to fly and surf.
{{more}}

According to the Times Standard article, the FAA records show the RV6A aircraft was built in 2002. Local pilots said that Mr. Newcomer had flown the plane across the country several times before.

Mr. Newcomer was part owner of the Arcata Exchange, a furniture store on the plaza. Mr. Joyce is quoted in The Times Standard as saying that Mr. Newcomer was planning to become more involved in the regular operation of the business. He was and active in the Arcata business community. Arcata Mayor Alex Stillman is quoted in The Times Standard as saying that Mr. Newcomer was well-known and played a significant role in improving the city. A memorial services is planned for Sunday, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. at the D Street neighborhood Center in Arcata.

Funeral services for Christopher Newcomer had not been made as of press time Wednesday, but Lord and Stephens, West, Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements. No further information was available.

People enjoying festivities at the recreation center saw the plume of smoke when the plane went down Saturday. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 6:25 p.m., and the first truck arrived at 6:41 p.m. The fire was extinguished at 7:14 p.m.

Earlier Saturday, shortly after 3 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire at 8810 Jackson Lake Road. A passerby called the fire in. Beverly North was killed in the blaze. The fire began in the bedroom, according to Wayne Whitaker with the Insurance and Fire Commissioner’s Office, but the definite cause is not known at this time.

Ms. North’s remains were sent to the crime lab to determine the cause of death. A spokesman at Cannon-Cleveland Funeral Directors in McDonough confirmed they had been contacted by Ms. North’s family, but said they did not anticipate a service.

Firefighters were dispatched at 3:06 a.m., and the first ones arrived on the scene at 3:20 a.m. to see a fully involved structure. Ms. North’s daughter was her mother’s next door neighbor, but was not aware of the fire until firefighters arrived, said Jarrett Slocumb, chief of fire services. Firefighters were finallly able to knowck the fire back enough to get inside at 4:21 a.m., when Ms. North and her pets were located.

Firefighters remained on the scene until nearly 11 a.m. Firefighters from six of the seven stations in the county responded.
On Monday, firefighters were called to a structure fire at 318 Webb Street at 8:43 a.m., and the first truck arrived at 8:49 a.m. The fire was out at 9:01 a.m.

That fire has been confirmed to be arson, said Mr. Whitaker, and is still under investigation. No one was at home at the time of the fire. The home is owned by Sharon Manning.