DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. — Dozens of first responders rushed to the Davison County Executive Airport Tuesday night to rescue a pilot from an overturned aircraft.
The Linwood fire chief said he sent about 17 of his firefighters to the scene.
They quickly got the pilot 84-year-old Ralph Potter to the hospital.
"Mom had called me, I was eating dinner, saying grandpa had a crash. We think he's okay we’ll update you soon," said, Kallie Potter the pilot's granddaughter.
Kallie Potter spoke to WFMY News 2's Itinease McMiller just before she planned to go see her grandfather for the first time since the accident.
"It's going to be a little upsetting to see him banged up but he's tough. He’s a fighter he’s strong as an ox," Potter said. "Even though he’s older he can get out here and work harder than anyone my age ever could. I am excited to see him."
The Federal Aviation Administration investigation revealed the 84-year-old lost control of the aircraft while Taxiing, it then ran through a grassy area causing the nose gear to detach and the plane to flip over.
"I was kind of freaked out because mom didn’t have much info at first so I was like you should’ve waited until you knew more," Potter said. "But I was glad to know he’s good and safe. He had a concussion, some staples but he's doing better."
Kallie said her connection with her grandpa grew strong on the runway.
Since four years old the two of them would reach high altitudes in the Glasiar 3 he built himself.
"I remember flying in the Glasiar 3 and having to put like three cushions on the seat to be able to see out of the window," Potter shared. "We’ve been super close since I was little."
Potter said she hopes the next time her grandpa decides to go to the airport he'll let her know.
"Then maybe I can get my pilot license and fly him around," Potter said.
The family said Ralph had to get surgery on his ear and that they expect him to be back home next week.