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Man killed in fiery Kentucky jet crash told daughter of trouble in midair
Fox News • • nation
Key Points:
- James Alan Michaels, a 70-year-old Wisconsin man, died in a fiery crash when his military-style L-39 Albatros jet went down in a field near Mayfield, Kentucky, shortly after takeoff on November 8.
- Michaels was flying cross-country with his daughter, Tonie Michaels, who was piloting a separate jet; after takeoff, he reported issues and attempted to return but crashed instead.
- The plane hit a ditch in the field, causing it to roll and catch fire; Michaels was the sole occupant and was pronounced dead at the scene, while his daughter landed safely and called for help.
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, examining pilot credentials, aircraft condition, flight data, and environmental factors; a final report is expected within 12 to 24 months.
- Notably, the father and daughter survived a previous plane crash in 2010 in Colorado, where they crash-landed in a remote area but escaped with minor injuries.
