Aircraft crash that killed 2 Lexington residents happened about 160 feet from runway
A fatal aircraft crash that killed two Lexington residents last month happened 160 feet from a runway, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The powered parachute aircraft, known as a Buckeye Dream Machine, did a nosedive in a remote grass airstrip around 6 p.m. Oct. 27 before crashing in the area of Ashgrove Road in Jessamine. The aircraft came to a stop about 30 feet from where it hit the ground.
The crash killed David Murphy, 72, who was flying the aircraft, and his wife, 72-year-old Connie J. Murphy.
The additional details were released Monday in an initial report by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Visibility at the time of the crash was 10 miles, indicating sight lines were fairly clear, and wind speed registered at five knots, which translates to about 5.7 mph, according to the NTSB report.
David Murphy had about 20 years of flying experience, Jessamine County Sheriff Kevin Grimes last month.
The aircraft did not catch on fire, according to an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration. However, it suffered substantial damage, including to all three propeller blades.
The engine stayed attached to the air frame. and the inline fuel filter was full of gasoline, according to the NTSB’s report. The parachute risers were not frayed and the canopy was undamaged with no missing panels.
The aircraft was retained for further examination, according to the NTSB.
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.
An obituary for Connie Murphy says she was born in Prestonsburg and worked as an art teacher for Fayette County Public Schools. She earned a master’s degree in art from Eastern Kentucky University.
Connie Murphy loved her grandchildren, as well as pottery, shopping and helping people.
This story was originally published November 18, 2024 at 12:55 PM.
