A tragic aviation accident Thursday evening claimed the life of 53-year-old James Brannon West, a Star City pilot whose ultralight aircraft went down just moments after takeoff from the Star City Municipal Airport.

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the scene at approximately 7:06 p.m. on August 21. When they arrived, they found the wreckage of a single-engine ultralight aircraft scattered across a wooded tree line near the airstrip. Evidence suggests that West attempted to turn back toward the runway after experiencing apparent engine trouble but lost control when the aircraft stalled.

Witnesses at the airport reported hearing the engine sputter shortly after takeoff. One witness, who captured video of the flight, told investigators that West tried to maneuver back to the runway but lacked sufficient altitude and speed to recover. The plane nose-dived into the trees, where bystanders rushed to his aid and attempted CPR until first responders arrived.

Emergency crews treated West at the scene and transported him to Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Despite extensive medical efforts, he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.

West was remembered as a passionate aviation enthusiast who loved flying and frequently tested small and ultralight aircraft. His sudden passing has deeply shaken the Star City community, where friends and fellow pilots described him as a kind man with an adventurous spirit.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the crash. Investigators are expected to review the aircraft’s wreckage, engine components, and witness footage to determine the cause of the failure. Preliminary reports suggest mechanical malfunction may have played a role, but officials have not confirmed the exact cause.

Aviation experts note that ultralight aircraft, while popular among hobbyists, carry significant risks due to their lightweight structure and limited safety features, leaving little margin for error during emergencies.

As the FAA investigation continues, the community is left to mourn the sudden loss of James Brannon West, whose final flight ended tragically just moments after leaving the runway.