Federal authorities have begun an investigation after a pilot crashed onto Interstate 520 in North Augusta on Sunday.
The pilot reported engine problems shortly before the amateur-built, single-engine Rutan VariEze smashed into a section of the road under construction near U.S. Highway 25, Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen said in an e-mail Monday.
The airplane is registered to Samuel C. Hart Jr. of the 800 block of River Bluff Road in North Augusta, based on the aircraft's registration number.
North Augusta Public Safety responded to the wreck but has refused to release the pilot's name, referring all questions to the FAA. Ms. Bergen said, however, that any information on the pilot would have to come from the local agency.
In addition to the FAA, investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are looking into the wreck.
"We provide our information to them and they review it and determine the probable cause," Ms. Bergen said.
Officials said the pilot was alone. They have not determined where he took off.
Denise Parrish, a spokeswoman for Medical College of Georgia Hospital, said Mr. Hart was in serious condition. Authorities said Sunday night that the pilot had several broken bones.
Reach Adam Folk at (706) 823-3338 or adam.folk@augustachronicle.com.
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