Lady’s Island: Remembering the Fatal Plane Crash that Changed USC Football Forever

Lady’s Island: A Tragic Aircraft Incident

What Happened

On the evening of December 19, 1999, a tragic plane crash occurred near Beaufort County Airport. A Beech E-90 aircraft owned by the University of South Carolina Athletic Department went down while en route to pick up the esteemed Gamecocks football coach Lou Holtz. The incident not only impacted the coach but also took the life of experienced pilot Dewey “Sonny” Foster.

Who Was Involved

The flight was piloted by Dewey “Sonny” Foster, who had substantial experience in aviation, having logged over two-and-a-half years in the air, including time spent flying commercial airlines and serving in the Air National Guard. Accompanying him in the cockpit was co-pilot Joe Baier. Holtz, who was awaiting the plane’s arrival, was in a tough spot personally and professionally, coming off a winless season with the Gamecocks.

When and Where

The flight took off from Hilton Head Airport but ran into complications as it approached Beaufort County Airport in the dark evening. Reports indicated that visibility was poor, and the aircraft was unable to identify the airport before approaching the landing.

What Went Wrong

According to a National Transportation Safety Board report, the plane was descending at about 480 feet per minute when it veered off course. Pilot Joe Baier reported seeing lights but could not visually identify the airport. They suffered a harrowing impact when the landing gear made contact with the ground, leading to the aircraft cartwheeling into a wooded area near Oak Island.

As the plane went down, Foster shouted, “Get me out of here!” His instincts kicked in, but due to the chaos and smoke from a fire that erupted post-crash, the situation deteriorated quickly.

Aftermath of the Crash

Joe Baier managed to escape the aircraft and informed first responders that Foster was still trapped inside. Baier sustained injuries but was released from Beaufort Memorial Hospital three days later. Unfortunately, Foster did not survive; he passed away due to severe neck injuries sustained in the crash.

Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner arrived at the scene, marking his first plane crash as sheriff. Tanner, seasoned by years of dealing with various emergencies, recalled the emotional toll such incidents take on those involved, stating, “Crime scenes are crime scenes. Doesn’t matter what type of scene it is. They’re all bad.”

Lou Holtz’s Response

Holtz, who had flown several times with Foster and was in the midst of a recruiting trip when the tragedy occurred, was profoundly affected by the loss of his friend. In a statement following the crash, he expressed his heartfelt condolences to Foster’s family, noting how blessed he felt given the circumstances. Holtz’s reflections emphasized the personal losses he faced that year, including health struggles within his family.

Despite the devastating crash, Holtz rallied and continued his career. He went on to invigorate the Gamecocks football program, leading them to two Outback Bowl victories in consecutive years after the incident. His coaching career with the Gamecocks concluded in 2004, and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

The Legacy of the Incident

This tragic event in Lady’s Island remains a somber chapter in the history of the University of South Carolina football program and highlights the risks associated with air travel, especially for sports teams. While the crash may have taken a life, the legacies of both Foster and Holtz serve to remind us of the bonds built in the world of sports and aviation—a connection that can be as fragile as it is profound.