On October 2, 2024, a single-engine Cessna piloted by Jordan Seth Faught, 41, made an emergency landing at Hickory Regional Airport in Catawba County after experiencing mechanical failure while returning from Avery County, where he had delivered supplies for Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Fortunately, Faught was not injured in the incident, which occurred around 12:45 p.m. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol secured the scene, and the FAA is set to investigate the crash. The plane was part of ongoing efforts to assist communities affected by Hurricane Helene, which has resulted in significant devastation and loss of life in the region. Regional airports, including Hickory, have been vital for staging and transporting emergency supplies to isolated areas. As recovery efforts continue, the impact of the storm remains severe, with many residents still in need of assistance.