Authorities are investigating what may be the first fatal crash of a Light Sport Aircraft.
Robert James Swanson, 62, of Southport, and John Nesbit, 51, of Carolina Beach, N.C., died Aug. 7 when the Allegro they were flying crashed in a field.
According to FAA records posted online, Swanson held an A&P license, an Advanced Ground Instructor rating and a commercial pilot’s certificate.
He did not have a flight instructor certificate although several media reports about the crash indicate he was providing instruction at the time of the accident.
Swanson was known for his involvement in the Experimental Aircraft Association. Nesbit was a former television news anchor.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.