Single-Engine Plane Makes Emergency Landing Near Clemson University; Pilot Uninjured

CLEMSON, S.C. (Aug. 26, 2025) - A single-engine aircraft made an emergency landing this morning in the Seneca Creek Meadows field adjacent to Clemson University property, sustaining minor damage and leaving its sole occupant with only minor injuries.

At approximately 8:30 a.m., Clemson University Police and emergency responders were dispatched to reports of a downed aircraft near Oconee County Regional Airport. Officers arrived within minutes to find the single-engine plane resting upright on its belly after becoming entangled in overhead power lines in the meadow area commonly known as Seneca Creek Meadows. The pilot was coherent and alert, and was swiftly extracted from the aircraft with only minor injuries before being transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

Preliminary information indicates the pilot experienced engine trouble and elected to perform an emergency landing in the open field when power was lost. During the descent, one wing struck power lines, causing the aircraft to come to rest in its final position. Clemson University Police Chief Brian Strange praised the pilot’s handling of the emergency, noting “for how it managed to strike the ground, the aircraft is in pretty decent shape, and the pilot is very fortunate”.

Power to the surrounding area was briefly disrupted while utility crews secured the damaged lines. No additional injuries or property damage have been reported. University officials advise motorists to avoid Seneca Creek Road and the adjacent campus access points until cleanup and recovery operations are complete. Emergency responders from Clemson University Police, Oconee County Fire Rescue, and Duke Energy remained on scene into the afternoon to facilitate safe removal of the aircraft and restoration of utilities.