In July, a tragic plane crash killed seven people. Among them were three members of the Atlanta-based gospel group, The Nelons. The NTSB report says the pilot declared an emergency after losing autopilot during the flight. The accident occurred on July 26 near Recluse, Wyoming, as the group was route to a Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska.
The report says that, in the flight’s last moments, the pilot told the Salt Lake City Air Traffic Control Center of a failed autopilot and an emergency. Despite these efforts, the plane crashed. It destroyed the aircraft and left no survivors. The deaths of the group members and others on board have shocked the gospel music community. Fans and fellow musicians mourn the loss of these beloved artists. When the controller asked the pilot about landing, he initially got no reply. Later, the pilot said he was trying to regain control.
The controller then said to let them know if the pilot needed help. He also advised the pilot of the minimum instrument flight rules. The pilot did not respond.
Plane crash:
Plane crashes into west Texas mobile home park, killing 2 and setting homes ablaze
What happened after we lost contact?
After losing contact with the plane, the FAA issued an Alert Notice. Local law enforcement later found the plane 12 miles northeast of Recluse, Wyoming.
A witness said, “There was a loud whining noise. It diminished, then increased. Shortly after, smoke came from the accident site.
Another witness reported seeing the plane perform a “barrel roll” with its engine roaring. Shortly after, they heard the crash and saw smoke.
According to the report, searchers found fragments of the plane scattered in a 300 ft radius. The left wing of the plane was found broken in two pieces along the debris path 0.8 miles from the wreckage.
“The report stated, ‘The airplane wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.'”
