Pilot in Plane Crash Identified; Witnesses Sought

Clayton, N.C. — Authorities on Monday identified the pilot who was killed Friday when his plane slammed into a Clayton restaurant.

Separately, authorities said they are seeking more witnesses to the crash to help with the investigation into the cause.

Garry Stephen Reid, of Galivants Ferry, S.C., died when his single-engine 1947 North American Navion crashed into the front of McCall's BBQ and Seafood restaurant, at 10365 U.S. Highway 70 West.

No one else was injured in the crash, which occurred about an hour before the popular restaurant was scheduled to open for lunch.

Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board removed the wreckage from the McCall's building on Sunday and took it to an undisclosed location for further examination.

The cause of the crash hasn't been determined.

Clayton Police Chief Glen Allen said the NTSB is looking for more witnesses to the crash or people who saw the plane flying Friday morning before the crash. Witnesses are asked to call the Clayton Police Department at 919-553-4611.

The owners of McCall's don't yet have an estimate of the damage to the restaurant, but they said they expect their insurance coverage should handle rebuilding and the cost of paying their 100 employees until the restaurant reopens.