Roswell man killed in Gwinnett plane crash remembered as a man of faith

The sound of a pilot’s desperate declaration – “It looks like we’re going in the trees” – now echoes through the Roswell community, a stark reminder of the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Eric Stephens, 57, a local tech founder and devoted church leader. Stephens, alongside another man identified as Peter Magnuson, was involved in the incident Tuesday evening near Gwinnett County Airport, an event now under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The crash highlights the fragility of life and underscores the importance of faith and community in times of profound loss, particularly as families navigate grief and seek solace.

What Happened

On Tuesday evening, around 5:30 p.m., emergency personnel responded to a call at the intersection of Winder Highway and Backus Drive in Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County. A Velocity 173 F-G aircraft had crashed in a wooded area approximately one mile southeast of Gwinnett County Airport. The pilot had declared an emergency to air traffic control, reporting engine trouble, just 90 minutes after the flight departed from Briscoe Field. According to air traffic control audio, the pilot stated, “It looks like we’re going in the trees.” Authorities recovered both Stephens and Magnuson from the crash site; Stephens was pronounced dead at Gwinnett County Hospital, while Magnuson sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital. The aircraft, a Velocity 173FG often sold as a kit for owner assembly, remains under investigation by the NTSB to determine the precise cause of the mechanical failure. The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner has officially identified Stephens as the deceased.

Flight records indicate the aircraft was airborne for roughly 90 minutes before the incident occurred. The NTSB is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, and officials have not yet determined what specific mechanical issue led to the fatal engine trouble. Police have not released an update on Magnuson’s condition, leaving his family and friends anxiously awaiting news. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation and the critical importance of aircraft maintenance and pilot preparedness, especially given the unique nature of kit-built aircraft. Air traffic control recordings, available on LiveATC.net, capture the pilot’s distress call and the declaration of an emergency.

The timeline of events reveals a sequence of escalating concern, from the initial report of engine trouble to the desperate attempt at an emergency landing. The 90-minute flight path suggests a planned journey, adding a layer of poignancy to the sudden and unexpected nature of the tragedy. The fact that the aircraft was a kit plane adds another dimension, prompting questions about the quality control and maintenance procedures associated with owner-built aircraft.

Community Reaction

The news of Stephens’ passing has sent shockwaves through the Roswell community, particularly at Roswell United Methodist Church, where he served as a mentor and active member. Rev. Derek Porter, lead pastor at the church, described Stephens as a man who “always saw the best in people and was always trying to help people experience their best,” emphasizing his profound love of Christ and the church. The congregation gathered Wednesday evening for a prayer vigil, finding solace and strength in their shared faith. “We know that he’s with the Lord right now,” Rev. Porter stated, offering comfort to those grieving the loss. The Roswell United Methodist Church has opened its sanctuary and chapel for members to gather and pray, offering a space for communal mourning and support.

Stephens’s Legacy of Faith and Service

Stephens’s commitment to Roswell United Methodist Church extended beyond mere attendance; he actively served as a mentor in the men’s ministry, contributed his voice to the church choir, and embodied a spirit of dedication and service. His upbringing as the son of a pastor instilled in him a deep reverence for faith and a desire to spread its message. This profound influence shaped his character and guided his actions throughout his life, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him. He leaves behind his wife, Cammie, and two daughters.

zPaper’s Tribute to its Founder

Beyond his faith community, Stephens was also a successful entrepreneur, having founded the technology company zPaper in Roswell. Ken Schumacher, COO of zPaper, released a heartfelt statement mourning Stephens’s loss and reaffirming the company's commitment to his vision. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder, Eric Stephens, Ph.D. Eric built zPaper over 20 years and was a mentor and friend to everyone here,” Schumacher wrote. The company's mission is to empower patients to take control of their health journey through better digital document tools, a testament to Stephens’s dedication to innovation and service. The company respectfully requests that inquiries about the accident be directed to the investigating authorities, prioritizing the privacy of Stephens’s family during this difficult time. Stephens' colleagues remember him as an intensely focused and passionate leader, possessing an “unbelievable, uncanny bandwidth of way to get things done, and to focus, and to build.”

What’s Next

The NTSB investigation is ongoing, with officials working to determine the precise cause of the engine failure that led to the crash. While the immediate focus is on understanding what happened, the broader community is grappling with the emotional toll of losing a respected member. Donations in Stephens’s memory can be made to the Roswell United Methodist Church choir, providing a tangible way for those wishing to honor his life to support a cause he cherished. The condition of Peter Magnuson, the sole survivor, remains unknown, and updates will be provided as they become available. The investigation’s conclusions could lead to recommendations for improved maintenance procedures, pilot training, or aircraft design.

James’s Take

The tragic loss of Eric Stephens serves as a stark reminder of life's fragility and the importance of cherishing the relationships we hold dear. As a community, we are called to rally around the Stephens family – his wife, Cammie, and their two daughters – offering them our prayers and support during this incredibly difficult time. The outpouring of grief from his church and colleagues speaks volumes about the kind of man he was: a leader, a mentor, and a friend who touched countless lives. His dedication to both his faith and his family exemplifies the values we hold dear here in Alpharetta – commitment, integrity, and a deep sense of community. The fact that he built a successful company like zPaper while simultaneously dedicating himself to his church and family speaks volumes about his character and priorities.

While the NTSB investigation will undoubtedly shed light on the mechanical causes of the accident, it also prompts us to consider the broader implications for aviation safety and the importance of rigorous maintenance protocols. The fact that the aircraft was a kit plane raises questions about the oversight and regulation of such aircraft. As we move forward, it’s essential that we learn from this tragedy and work to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Let us honor Eric Stephens’s memory by embracing the values he embodied – faith, family, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us.

Resources

For those seeking to offer support to the Stephens family or learn more about the investigation, the following resources are available:

• Roswell United Methodist Church: Information on memorial services and donations to the choir ministry.
• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): Information on the ongoing investigation into the plane crash.
• zPaper: Information about the company and its mission.
• Gwinnett County Government: Official updates and information related to the investigation.
• City of Roswell: Local government resources and information.
• Fulton County Government: Information about surrounding county services.
• Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce: Business resources and community information.
• Atlanta News First: Additional coverage of the story.
• FOX 5 Atlanta: Original reporting on the incident.

The community’s resilience and faith will be vital as they heal and remember Eric Stephens.

By James Ramirez, Senior Reporter, Bulldog Current