Pilot killed in North Carolina crash was trying to avoid hitting turtle on runway

MOCKSVILLE, N.C.

The pilot of a small plane that crashed near Sugar Valley Airport on June 3 raised a wheel after landing to avoid a turtle on the runway, according to a preliminary NTSB report. The crash resulted in the deaths of the pilot and one passenger, while a second passenger sustained serious injuries; the plane ultimately crashed in a forested area, catching fire but remaining mostly intact.

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