Samantha Hayes Struck by Aircraft Wing While Cutting Grass

Samantha Hayes, 27, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma lost her life when she was struck by the wing of a landing 1972-vintage A-36 Bonanza while operating a riding lawn-mower adjacent the runway at Broken Bow Municipal Airport (BBW).

In a statement to investigators, the Bonanza’s pilot—James Baxter, 70—set forth he sighted Hayes after touching down at BBW at approximately 14:30 CDT. Mr. Baxter reported he attempted to regain flying speed for purpose of climbing the A-36 away from the 3,200-foot runway and over the young woman. The aircraft failed to climb, however, and Hayes, a single mother of three, was struck in the head by its wing. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokeswoman Sarah Stewart stated: “We're investigating whether any charges could be filed against the pilot. Did the pilot do anything wrong, or was this just unavoidable?”

Stewart conceded numerous questions pertaining to Hayes’s death remain unanswered, in particular, whether she was wearing requisite reflective clothing, and if she even saw the aircraft prior to being struck by such.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating, ostensibly, potential violations of Federal Aviation Regulations.

Hayes worked for the city of Broken Bow’s parks department.

Broken Bow city manager Vickie Patterson, who’s listed, also, as the BBW airport manager, remarked: “We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of one of our team members on 29 September. This is a terribly tragic accident, and our deepest sympathies go out to the employees family and friends.”

Patterson added: “It’s critical that we determine how this accident occurred so we can take steps to prevent something like this from happening again. Our goal is to return every employee home safely every day.”

Tributes on social-media characterized Hayes as a hard worker and a woman who cherished her children.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov