Pilot Identified in Harford County Plane Crash

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The pilot who tragically lost his life in a plane crash on Tuesday night has been identified as Anthony Potts, a 59-year-old resident of Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Crash Details

Potts crash-landed a single-engine Piper PA-28 Cherokee airplane in the vicinity of the 3600 block of Old Level Road in Havre de Grace. Despite the efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, there were no other injuries reported, and the crash did not cause significant damage to any properties. Potts made the decision to land the plane in a nearby field to minimize the risk of additional casualties.

Major General Anthony Potts

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Anthony Potts was a recently retired U.S. Army major general who had dedicated almost four decades of service. He held the position of program executive officer for Command, Control and Communications-Tactical and led a team of 1,600 individuals at Aberdeen Proving Ground. During his tenure, Potts played a vital role in the development of enhanced body armor, weapons, and network technology. His contributions were part of the Army’s initiative to revamp its force by the next decade.

Army Praises Potts’ Accomplishments

“The network in all its forms is central to everything the Army does,” said Douglas Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics, and technology, during Potts’ retirement ceremony. “Maj. Gen Potts’ accomplishments in leading network modernization efforts have provided lasting benefits to the Army.”

Family and Service

Potts, a father of two, began his military career as an Army aviation second lieutenant in 1986. He participated in various operations, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Potts served as an AH-64 Apache pilot for a significant portion of his early career, earning several accolades such as the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Medal with Valor.

Condolences from the U.S. Army

Bryce Dubee, an Army spokesperson, expressed gratitude for Potts’ dedicated service and extended heartfelt condolences to the Potts family. “Maj. Gen. Potts completed over 36 years of distinguished service,” said Dubee.

Military Accomplishments

Potts’ military bio reveals an impressive career. He served as an attack helicopter platoon leader in Germany and held various staff positions, including logistics officer, intelligence officer, and operations officer. Additionally, he commanded the U.S. Army’s AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter Training Company and contributed to the FORCE XXI experiments in the Digital Force Coordination Cell as Operations Officer for Aviation, Field Artillery, and Air Defense.

Emergency Response Efforts

Upon receiving the 911 call, approximately 40 firefighters and EMTs from multiple departments were dispatched to the scene, including Level Volunteer Fire Company, Aberdeen Fire Department, Inc., Susquehanna Hose Company, Aberdeen Proving Ground Fire & Emergency Services, and Harford County Department of Emergency Services. However, initially, locating the crash site proved challenging. After an intense and rapid search, the wreckage of the single-engine plane was discovered in an open field at around 7:33 p.m. Sadly, Potts was the only person onboard and was pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, no one on the ground sustained any injuries.

Investigation Ongoing

The exact cause of the plane crash remains under investigation. Authorities are working diligently to determine the factors that contributed to this tragic incident.