DeFuniak Springs Police responded to an airplane crash at approximately 11:30 AM Wednesday morning. The small Cherokee plane was heading from the west and making a landing at the DeFuniak Springs Municipal Airport when crosswinds caused the plane to shimmy. The 37 year old pilot from Royston, Georgia, had to abort the first landing and circle the airport due to high winds. Once the winds died down, Kristopher Kendrick made another landing attempt. It seemed like a clear landing until the plane touched down on the runway. The winds picked up and carried the plane into the middle median area, causing the front landing gear to give way. The plane went nose down into the ground.
Fortunately there were no injuries. The plane sustained a great deal of damage to the front end and propeller. The DeFuniak Springs Fire Department, Walton Fire Rescue, and Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist with the plane crash. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were notified and are investigating the crash.