US: Woman dies as airplane hits lawnmower she was riding on runway

An airplane struck and killed a woman who was reportedly riding a lawnmower at a small Oklahoma airport.

During a flight to Broken Bow Airport on Friday, Samantha Hayes, 27, was struck and killed by the wing of a 1972 Bananza A36.

James Baxter, the 70-year-old pilot of the plane, was preparing to land at Broken Bow Airport when he spotted Hayes in the field on her mower.

Hayes was fatally struck in the head by the wing of the plane after Baxter failed to get the wing over her, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Hayes was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident after suffering head injuries. Although Broken Bow Airport has no air traffic control, it’s unclear whether Hayes worked there.

Facebook users described Hayes as a single mother and a devoted friend. ‘Samantha Hayes was a wonderful great mom to her 3 babies! She was a single mom who worked hard to give them a safe and loving home! These babies knew they were loved everyday all day!’ wrote Darlene Tadleigh, a friend.

Baxter, the pilot, was not injured. The FAA has no age limits for people to fly planes, though commercial airlines are banned from employing anyone over the age of 65.

No further information has been revealed about Baxter and no charges have been filed against him.

The Oklahoma department of public safety is yet to respond on the incident as a investigation is underway.