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.

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Ladyblue there was a tape of the inside of the crash shown on wral that same day two men took it. That is what I was refering to. We found some of the parts of the plane but just could not profit from a mans death so they got what we had for nothing other than good citizens like yourself. Sorry if I was harsh.

SOUTHERN BELL
September 25, 2007 6:17 p.m.

Just a note I don't know who or how much people were paid for there comment's or tape's of the crash but did you not realize you were making a profit from a man's death. While you were filming a man was in that building dead and you were making $$$$$. SHAME ON YOU!!!!!

Then I apologize. I thought you were referring to the witnesses commenting to the news reporters. I can't imagine someone having a tape after, and that is disgusting. I wish there was a tape of it actually in the air to help the airplane investigators out. Sometimes even now i catch myself saying did I see what I think I saw? It's hard seeing it in your mind over again....

ladyblue
September 25, 2007 5:14 p.m.

Ladyblue I was not referring to you at all. There was a tape made after the crash not of the crash and alot of $ was made as well. If you didn't see the tape sorry. You need to read my comment again I did not say one bad thing about the pilot. Perhaps you just don't understand.

SOUTHERN BELL
September 25, 2007 3:14 p.m.

RickyBobby, the name fits. There is a time and a place for everything and your timing is way off. If you want to support the business maybe you should go down there and help with the clean up. Your comments are insulting to me and to anyone who knew Garry.

shellieconley
September 25, 2007 1:47 p.m.

I tried to find the online GuestBook to sign for Mr. Reid but nothing comes up at Legacy.com

headlong
September 25, 2007 12:35 p.m.