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Union Today
By the People, for the People
Alabama Family of 4 Killed in South Carolina Plane Crash
Huntsville residents were traveling from North Carolina to Alabama when tragedy struck.
Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:21am
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A tragic plane crash in South Carolina claims the lives of an Alabama family, underscoring the risks of private air travel.Union TodayA family of four from Huntsville, Alabama - James Moffatt, 60, his wife Leasa Moffatt, 61, and their sons Andrew Moffatt, 30, and William Moffatt, 28 - were killed when their private plane crashed near the airport in Union, South Carolina on April 17. The family was flying from Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina to Huntsville and had stopped to refuel when the Mooney M20P aircraft they were traveling in went down around 6:30 p.m.
Why it matters
This tragic incident highlights the risks and dangers associated with private air travel, even for experienced pilots. The Mofatts were a well-known family in the Huntsville community, and their sudden and devastating loss has deeply impacted the local area. The investigation into the cause of the crash by the FAA and NTSB will aim to determine what went wrong and how to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The details
According to reports, the Mooney M20P aircraft the Moffatt family was traveling in crashed near the Union County Airport in South Carolina around 6:30 p.m. on April 17. The family was flying from Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina to Huntsville, Alabama and had stopped to refuel when the plane went down for unknown reasons. Emergency responders were unable to save any of the four occupants.
- The plane crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. on April 17, 2026.
- The Mofatts were flying from Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina to Huntsville, Alabama.
The players
James Moffatt
A 60-year-old resident of Huntsville, Alabama who was piloting the plane.
Leasa Moffatt
The 61-year-old wife of James Moffatt.
Andrew Moffatt
The 30-year-old son of James and Leasa Moffatt.
William Moffatt
The 28-year-old son of James and Leasa Moffatt.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The government agency investigating the cause of the plane crash.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
The independent federal agency also investigating the incident.
What’s next
The FAA and NTSB will continue their investigation into the cause of the plane crash. A preliminary report is expected within the next few weeks.
The takeaway
This tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks of private air travel, even for experienced pilots. The Moffatt family's sudden and devastating loss has deeply impacted the Huntsville community, and the investigation into the crash will aim to determine what went wrong in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
