A small plane crash in Pushmataha County, southeastern Oklahoma, resulted in the deaths of three residents of Antlers, Oklahoma on the afternoon of April 4, 2024. The crash of a 1977 Foutz-Davis DA-3 aircraft prompted a swift response from local authorities and national aviation agencies.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol quickly responded to the scene, where they discovered the wreckage near the intersection of N 4140 Road, approximately three miles west of Antlers. The crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. during what appeared to be a routine flight under clear weather conditions.
The crash victims have been identified as 62-year-old pilot Brian Davis and passengers Michael Davis, 23, and Kelly Thompson, 21. All three men hailed from Antlers, and their loss has deeply affected the community. “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 spokesperson stated, reflecting the collective grief of the region.
“Upon arrival, we found the aircraft had suffered significant damage, and unfortunately, there were no survivors,” detailed an officer from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead in investigating the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Antlers Municipal Airport, hinting at potential mechanical failure or operational error as contributing factors. However, the exact cause remains under investigation, with the NTSB expected to provide a detailed report in the coming months. Aviation records indicate that the plane was well-maintained and had passed all necessary inspections before the flight.
Community members have come together after the crash, offering support to the victims’ families and sharing memories of happier times. “Brian, Michael, and Kelly were beloved members of our community, and their loss is felt deeply by all who knew them,” shared a local resident, capturing the sentiment of a community in mourning.
“Waking up to this kind of tragedy is something you never hope for,” remarked Jeff Lucas from the Pushmataha County Chamber of Commerce. “It hits a small community hard; we’re so close-knit that we see each other at the grocery store and local eateries.”
A fundraising campaign has been created on GoFundMe to support crash victim Kelly Thompson’s family. The campaign, which has raised over $6,500 and was initiated by a family member, shared 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.”
