Pilot of Experimental Aircraft Injured In Sampson Accident

A man was taken to the hospital Thursday morning after an accident in Sampson County involving an experimental aircraft.

According to the Highway Patrol, John Patterson, 71, was flying his aircraft about 900 feet in the air when its engine backfired and stalled.

Authorities said Patterson had to land the plane down into a soybean field.

Patterson was transported to Sampson Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.