1 Man Dies, 1 Injured When Plane Flips at Missouri Airport

Authorities say one of two longtime pilots hurt when a small plane flipped at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport has died.

The Southeast Missourian reports 74-year-old Lowell Peterson, of Jackson, died from injuries he suffered in the accident Tuesday.

Cape Girardeau police say Peterson and Jack Mehner were the only ones on the plane. The cause of the accident is under investigation. Authorities have not said who was flying the plane.

A message distributed on behalf of the family said Mehner had successful surgery Wednesday on a neck injury.

Both men had extensive piloting experience. Last year, the FAA designated Mehner a “Master Pilot” for exhibiting flying skill for 50 years. He told the newspaper at the time that he and Peterson enjoyed flying an airplane they built together in Peterson’s garage.