Authorities Investigating Damage To Airplane

SMITHFIELD – The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating damage to an aircraft propeller that may have been caused by a gunshot.

Deputies responded to the Johnston County Airport on Swift Creek Road on Monday, August 26, after receiving a report from a representative of Blue Line Aviation, a flight school based at the airport. According to the report, staff discovered what they believe to be damage consistent with a gunshot on one of the school’s aircraft propellers.

At this time, authorities have not determined when or where the damage occurred. It remains unclear whether the incident happened on the ground at the airport or elsewhere during flight operations.

The estimated cost to repair the damaged propeller is approximately $9,000.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing.