Two people killed in small aircraft crash in Central Kentucky
.jpg "Ambulance Photo by Getty Images This is a stock image downloaded from Getty Images. It is a Royalty Free image.")
Two people were killed Sunday night when a small aircraft crashed in Jessamine County, according to Jessamine County Sheriff Kevin Grimes.
The crash happened in the area of Ashgrove Road, according to the sheriff’s office. In a news conference streamed by TV station LEX 18, Grimes said a man and a woman, believed to be husband and wife, died in the crash.
Jessamine County Coroner Michael Hughes identified the victims as Micheal David Murphy, 72; and Connie J. Murphy, 72. Both were Fayette County residents. Hughes also confirmed they were husband and wife.
The sheriff’s office described the aircraft as a powered parachute aircraft. The National Transportation Safety Board, who will be conducting the investigation into the crash, said it was a type of aircraft called a Buckeye Dream Machine.
The initial findings from the investigation revealed the aircraft flipped over while landing, according to the NTSB.
Grimes said the man piloting the aircraft had roughly 20 years of experience.
Officials arrived at the scene within five minutes of receiving the call, Grimes said. Officials went into “rescue action,” but determined rescue was not possible.
The Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB have been notified of the crash. Grimes said the sheriff’s office’s Collision Reconstruction Unit was documenting evidence at the scene before the NTSB arrived at 8 a.m. Monday to investigate.
People are encouraged to avoid the crash scene while the investigation is ongoing.
What is a powered parachute aircraft?
A powered parachute aircraft is a propeller-powered cart tied to a parachute, which acts as the wing, according to easyflight.com. Powered parachute aircraft are mostly used recreationally, and they fly around 25-35 mph.
There are two levels of certification offered by the FAA for powered parachutes pilots, according to easyflight.com. However, pilots don’t need FAA certification when flying a powered parachute aircraft if it meets the definition of an ultralight aircraft.
If the aircraft has two seats, has an empty weight of more than 254 pounds or can carry over five gallons of fuel, then the pilot must obtain a sport pilot license, according to easyflight.com.
Powered parachute flying is considered an inexpensive way to get into flying, as a new, good two-seat aircraft can cost roughly $25,000-45,000.
This story was originally published October 28, 2024 at 7:43 AM.
