Georgetown County, South Carolina — A South Carolina pilot is facing criminal charges after authorities say he flew a small aircraft dangerously close to a crowded beach, causing panic among beachgoers who feared the plane was about to crash into them.
The incident, which was captured on video and witnessed by numerous people, eventually led to an investigation by federal aviation officials and the pilot’s surrender to local authorities.
Witnesses Say Plane Appeared to Dive Toward Beach
According to the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, William Roger Williamson III, 50, was charged with breach of peace following an incident that occurred on April 10.
Authorities allege Williamson repeatedly flew his aircraft at an extremely low altitude and appeared to dive toward the beach several times.
Witnesses told investigators they believed the plane was going to hit the ground or crash into people gathered along the shoreline.
Video obtained by local media showed the aircraft flying low over the water before turning toward the beach, prompting alarm among those nearby.
In the footage, a person can be heard exclaiming:
“Oh my God!”
Beachgoers Describe Frightening Moments
Several witnesses said they feared for their lives as the aircraft approached.
One beachgoer told WMBF News that she believed the plane was headed directly toward her family.
“He turned and he just sort of zeroed in on us like he was dive bombing, and just started straight for us, so close,” the witness said.
She added:
“We sort of dove out of our beach chairs because we literally thought he was going to crash into the beach.”
Other witnesses reportedly feared the aircraft would collide with a nearby structure as it flew across the area.
The frightening encounter left many beach visitors shaken and prompted multiple reports to authorities.
FAA Investigation Begins
According to an incident report, one witness managed to photograph the aircraft’s tail number, allowing investigators to identify Williamson as the registered owner.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched an investigation several days later and contacted the pilot regarding the incident.
During conversations with investigators, Williamson reportedly claimed the aircraft experienced mechanical issues shortly after takeoff.
According to the report, he told FAA officials that ice formed on one of the aircraft’s carburetors and that he attempted to remove it while in flight.
Pilot Claims Mechanical Problems Caused Incident
Williamson reportedly told investigators that while addressing the issue, a control knob came off unexpectedly.
As he dealt with the malfunction, he claimed the aircraft temporarily lost altitude before he regained control.
According to the report, Williamson said he successfully recovered the plane and climbed back to a safe operating altitude.
However, federal investigators ultimately decided to pursue law enforcement action regarding the incident.
The FAA later sent Williamson a letter providing 30 days to respond to the agency’s concerns. Authorities say he never responded within the allotted timeframe.
Pilot Surrenders After Arrest Warrant Issued
After the response period expired, a Georgetown County judge approved an arrest warrant on May 19.
Williamson subsequently turned himself in to authorities on May 26.
Jail records show he was booked into the Georgetown County Detention Center and later released the same day after posting a $5,000 bond.
The case remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the low-flying aircraft incident that alarmed numerous beachgoers.
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