A fatal plane crash occurred on the afternoon of April 4, 2024, in Pushmataha County, southeastern Oklahoma, claiming the lives of three individuals from Antlers, Oklahoma. The accident, involving a 1977 Foutz-Davis DA-3 model, triggered a rapid response from local and national aviation authorities.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was among the first to arrive at the crash site, located near the crossroads of N 4140 Road, around three miles west of Antlers. The accident happened around 4:30 p.m., during what seemed to be a routine flight in clear weather conditions.
The deceased victims were identified as Brian Davis, the 62-year-old pilot, along with passengers Michael Davis, 23, and Kelly Thompson, 21. The three men were all residents of Antlers. “The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the entire Antlers community are in mourning after the loss of three of our own in a tragic plane crash,” a representative stated, echoing the community’s sorrow.
An officer from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported, “Upon arrival, we found the aircraft had suffered significant damage, and unfortunately, there were no survivors.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has started an investigation into the crash. Preliminary reports suggest the plane crashed shortly after leaving Antlers Municipal Airport, indicating a possible mechanical failure or operational error as potential reasons for the accident. The precise cause is still under investigation, with a comprehensive report from the NTSB to be released in the coming months. The plane had cleared all necessary inspections, and aviation records show it was properly maintained.
The local community has shown unity in the face of the tragedy, offering support to the victims’ families and sharing fond recollections. “Brian, Michael, and Kelly were beloved members of our community, and their loss is felt deeply by all who knew them,” a local resident expressed, encapsulating the sentiment of the grieving community.
Jeff Lucas from the Pushmataha County Chamber of Commerce commented, “Waking up to this kind of tragedy is something you never hope for. It hits a small community hard; we’re so close-knit that we see each other at the grocery store and local eateries.”
To assist the family of Kelly Thompson, one of the crash victims, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated. The campaign, which has raised over $6,500 and was started by a family member, included the following message about Kelly: “Our family suffered a profound loss on April 4, 2024, when we lost Kelly, a brilliant and loving young man. Tracey and Jon Trullinger mourn the loss of their dearly loved son, who was taken from us far too soon in a plane crash near Antlers, Oklahoma. We kindly ask for your support to assist his parents in coping with this sudden and devastating loss. The contributions will be used to cover funeral expenses, as well as provide meals and necessities for our family as we gather to honor Kelly’s memory.”
