Update 4-26
HENDERSON, Ky.(April 24, 2019) –Troopers with the Kentucky State Police are currently investigating a small fixed-wing aircraft wreck at the Henderson City-Henderson County Airport in Henderson Kentucky. Troopers were notified around 7:40 a.m. by Henderson County authorities requesting our agency investigate the wreck that killed two participants which were located inside the aircraft.
Investigators believe that the small airplane crashed about 50 yards off the side of the runway leaving very minimal to no debris field. Investigators speculate the plane crashed last night or sometime early this morning.
The runway is temporarily shut down as investigators with KSP, FAA and NTSB work to establish more information.
It is still too early to make a positive identification on both participants but an autopsy is scheduled tomorrow in Madisonville to further assist in the investigation.
No one else was injured nor was any property damage reported.
Kentucky State Police troopers were assisted by Henderson County Coroner’s Office, Henderson County Sheriff’s Department, Henderson County Emergency Management, Henderson County Rescue Squad, Henderson City Fire Department and Smith Mills Vol. Fire Department.
The investigation is on-going.
***UPDATE #2 (4-26-2019): Investigators believe Tucker and Hill were likely in the Henderson area looking for a fueling-stop to continue their journey.The Bellanca 17-30A aircraft ran out of fuel causing the motor to stall. The plane fell nose first to the ground ultimately killing both men. It is believed Tucker was the pilot and Hill as passenger.On scene, KSP troopers located several duffle bags containing personal belongings; however, one duffle bag contained a large sum of cash and suspected cocaine.###UPDATE (4-25-2019) : Kentucky State Police troopers collaborated with the Henderson County Coroner’s Office and the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office to officially identify the two deceased males located in the wrecked aircraft yesterday.
Barry A. Hill, 47 of Sanford, NC and George Tucker, 48 of Sanford, NC have both been identified and their next of kin has been notified.Neither men were certified pilots and the private Bellanca 17-30A aircraft they were flying is believed to have been either stolen or its use unauthorized by the registered owner. The private aircraft was believed to be taken from Davie County, NC area.More as it becomes available.