Blue Ridge Parkway Waterrock Knob Airplane Removal

ENVECO recently completed the demolition and removal of an airplane that had crashed deep into the Blue Ridge Mountains. The crash site was in a dangerous and visitor restricted portion of the park and became a common destination for hikers despite park warnings and preventative measures. The mitigate risk, the NPS contracted ENVECO to demolish and remove the plane. The crash site was located more than 1 mile from an authorized hiking trail and required traversing two 6,000-foot elevation peaks to visit. The debris littered a steep, unstable slope, was comprised mainly of chunks of metal with very sharp edges, and removal presented numerous safety challenges. The crash site was inaccessible by mechanized equipment and required hiking in of all equipment needed to process the debris. The debris was processed using hand-operated equipment, consolidated, and packaged for removal by airlift. The debris was removed by several airlifts which required specialized rigging. The airlifts required stringent coordination with NPS, police and rescue, and air traffic control. The project was completed with minimal disruption to park activities.

The NPS Project Manager was thrilled with ENVECO’s performance, stating:

“This was a complex, high-profile project with multiple unique environmental challenges near one of the most popular visitor centers on the Blue Ridge Parkway. ENVECO’s performance throughout all phases of the project was excellent.”