Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six, owned and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, N3371W: Fatal accident occurred November 12, 2017 in Fountain Run, Monroe County, Kentucky

The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Louisville, Kentucky
Piper Aircraft; Vero Beach, Florida
Lycoming Engines; Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N3371W

Location: Fountain Run, KY
Accident Number: ERA18FA022
Date & Time: 11/12/2017, 1410 CST
Registration: N3371W
Aircraft: PIPER PA32
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 4 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On November 12, 2017, at 1410 central standard time, a Piper PA-32-260, N3371W, was destroyed during an in-flight breakup and collision with terrain while maneuvering near Fountain Run, Kentucky. The private pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which departed Everett-Stewart Regional Airport UCY), Union City, Tennessee, at 1303, and was destined for Lake Cumberland Regional Airport (SME), Somerset, Kentucky.

The pilot and passengers were returning from a hunting trip, and the spouse of one passenger had planned a surprise party for the afternoon of their return. Radar and voice information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the pilot contacted the Memphis Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and was receiving visual flight rules (VFR) flight following services. The airplane was in cruise flight travelling eastbound about 5,500 ft mean seal level (msl) for about 30 minutes before the radar track depicted a slight turn to a northeasterly heading.

At 1357:44, the pilot informed the controller that he was going to climb the airplane in order to maintain VFR flight. Beginning at 1358, the radar track indicated a climb to about 6,600 ft followed by a series of left and right turns while maintaining a generally northeast track.

About 1404, the radar track depicted a nearly 180° left turn, followed immediately by a 180° right turn until the airplane resumed an approximate northeast heading. The airplane's altitude varied between 6,800 and 7,200 ft during the turns. At 1406:20, the pilot stated, "we hit some uh IMC. Is there any vectoring to an altitude here with some uh more visibility?" The controller advised the pilot to standby while he communicated with other aircraft and Nashville Approach Control. He then directed the pilot to "maintain VFR," which the pilot acknowledged.

At 1407:51, the controller shared a pilot report of cloud tops "around eight thousand or so". At that time, the airplane's altitude was about 7,325 ft. The pilot replied that he would climb the airplane to 8,000 ft. Over the next 30 seconds, the radar track depicted shallow left and right turns with altitudes that varied between 7,000 and 7,300 ft.

Beginning at 1408:41, the airplane's track depicted a shallow right turn at 7,299 ft and 144 knots followed by a descending right turn that increased in rates of bank and descent.

At 1408:58, at an altitude of 5,675 ft, the pilot transmitted, "We're going down."

The final radar target was located over the accident site at 1409:05, at an altitude of 2,838 ft and an airspeed of 125 knots.

One witness near the accident site described seeing the airplane "in a nosedive" before he lost sight of it behind trees. Another witness was deer hunting from a tree stand when his attention was drawn to the sound of the airplane. He watched the airplane appear out of the clouds and stated that the sound of the engine was "cutting in and out." He added that when the airplane came into his view, "it went into a spin and there was a loud pop and then [the airplane] just blew apart." He stated that the airplane came out of the clouds about 300 to 400 ft above the ground, and that the weather at the time was "solid fog." 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 41, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/14/2014
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/08/2017
Flight Time:  256 hours (Total, all aircraft), 247 hours (Total, this make and model), 5.5 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. He did not possess an instrument rating. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on October 14, 2014. A review of the pilot's logbook revealed that he had logged 251 total hours of flight experience, of which 246 hours were in the accident airplane make and model.

The pilot had logged 5.9 total hours of simulated (hood) instrument flight experience, of which 2 hours were in 2014, 2.1 hours in 2015, and 1.8 hours on July 8, 2017.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PIPER
Registration: N3371W
Model/Series: PA32 260
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 32-217
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/10/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3400 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 5 Hours
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2776.94 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-540 SERIES
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 260 hp
Operator:On file 
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

According to FAA and maintenance records, the airplane was manufactured in 1965 and had accrued 2,776.97 total aircraft hours. The most recent annual inspection was completed on October 10, 2017, at 2,771.94 total aircraft hours. 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: GLW, 716 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1415 CST
Direction from Accident Site: 360°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 500 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 210°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.25 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 11°C / 11°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Precipitation
Departure Point: Union City, TN (UCY)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Somerset, KY (SME)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 1303 CST
Type of Airspace: Class E 

The 1415 weather observation at Glasgow Municipal Airport (GLW) Glasgow, Kentucky, 14 miles north of the accident site, included a broken ceiling at 500 ft above ground level (agl), an overcast ceiling at 1,300 ft agl, and 10 miles visibility. The wind was from 210° at 4 knots. The temperature and dew point were 11°C, and the altimeter setting was 30.25 inches of mercury.

The 1353 weather observation at Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport (BWG), Bowling Green, Kentucky, included a broken ceiling at 1,200 ft agl, an overcast ceiling at 1,300 ft agl, and 9 miles visibility. The wind was from 230° at 7 knots. The temperature was 12°C, the dew point was 11°C, and the altimeter setting was 30.25 inches of mercury.

The 1335 weather observation at UCY, included an overcast ceiling at 3,500 ft agl, and 10 miles visibility. The wind was from 240° at 5 knots. The temperature was 15°C, the dew point was 10°C, and the altimeter setting was 30.26 inches of mercury.

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-16 "visible" and infrared (imagery from 1407 revealed cloudy conditions over the accident site region. Infrared cloud-top temperatures in the area immediately surrounding the accident location varied between about 0°C and -7°C, which corresponded to cloud top heights about 8,500 ft and 15,000 ft, respectively.

At 1238, an AIRMET SIERRA for IFR conditions was issued for a region that bordered the accident location and advised of ceilings below 1,000 ft, visibility below 3 statute miles, and precipitation and mist.

The ceiling at the destination airport at the estimated time of arrival was 6,000 ft overcast.

The pilot did not file a flight plan, and there was no record of him having obtained a weather briefing from Leidos Flight Services, Direct User Access Terminal Service, or Foreflight before departure.

In an interview with police, the pilot's spouse stated that her husband "always" checked weather conditions before flight, and that the Foreflight application was "constantly" streaming to his iPad while flying.

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 3 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 36.773333, -85.992222 (est) 

The wreckage was examined at the accident site. There was an odor of fuel at the scene, and the majority of the airplane was accounted for except the left aileron balance weight, left tip tank, stabilator trim tab, and about 6 ft of the right wing and right aileron. Parts associated with the rudder and right wing were located about 0.75 mile northeast of the main wreckage. The wreckage displayed no evidence of an in-flight fire. The entire wreckage path was oriented about 240° magnetic, and the main wreckage path was about 100 ft long.

The initial impact point was in treetops about 60 ft high, and the main wreckage came to rest wedged between tree trunks. The cockpit, cabin area, and empennage were destroyed by impact. Pieces of angularly cut wood were entangled with the wreckage.

The airplane was fragmented and scattered along the length of the wreckage path. Control continuity to the wings, rudder, and elevator was confirmed through the control cables and bellcranks to the cockpit area. Separations in the control cables displayed signatures consistent with cuts by recovery personnel or overload separation.

The engine was separated from the airframe and marked the end of the debris path. The propeller was separated from the engine and came to rest 25 ft northeast of the engine. The propeller blades displayed similar "S" bending, trailing-edge gouges, and chordwise scratching.

The engine crankshaft was rotated by hand through the vacuum pump drive pad. Continuity was confirmed through the accessory section to the valve train and crankshaft. Compression was confirmed on all cylinders using the thumb method. The magnetos were intact in their mounts. Once removed, they produced spark at all terminal leads when tested.

The vacuum pump rotated smoothly, and when disassembled, the rotor and vanes were intact.

The carburetor and fuel pump were destroyed by impact.

Parts associated with the left aileron balance weight, left tip tank, the stabilator trim tab, and about 6 ft of the right wing and right aileron were located by hunters months after the accident and were recovered on October 30, 2018.

Medical And Pathological Information

The Office of The Chief Medical Examiner, Louisville, Kentucky, performed the autopsy on the pilot. The cause of death was listed as "blunt force injuries."

The laboratory at FAA Forensic Sciences, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological testing on the pilot. The results were negative for the presence of drugs or alcohol. 

Additional Information

FAA Advisory Circular AC 60-22, Aeronautical Decision Making, stated, "Pilots, particularly those with considerable experience, as a rule always try to complete a flight as planned, please passengers, meet schedules, and generally demonstrate that they have 'the right stuff.'" One of the common behavioral traps identified was "Get-there-itis." The text stated, "Common among pilots, [get-there-itis] clouds the vision and impairs judgment by causing a fixation on the original goal or destination combined with a total disregard for any alternative course of action."

According to the Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, FAA-H-8083-25B:

Under normal flight conditions, when there is a visual reference to the horizon and ground, the sensory system in the inner ear helps to identify the pitch, roll, and yaw movements of the aircraft. When visual contact with the horizon is lost, the vestibular system becomes unreliable. Without visual references outside the aircraft, there are many situations in which combinations of normal motions and forces create convincing illusions that are difficult to overcome.

According to the Instrument Procedures Handbook, FAA-H-8083 (AB):

The vestibular sense (motion sensing by the inner ear) can confuse the pilot. Because of inertia, sensory areas of the inner ear cannot detect slight changes in aircraft attitude nor can they accurately sense attitude changes that occur at a uniform rate over time. Conversely, false sensations often push the pilot to believe that the attitude of the aircraft has changed when in fact it has not, resulting in spatial disorientation.

FAA Advisory Circular 61-134, General Aviation Controlled Flight into Terrain Awareness, stated,

According to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA data, one of the leading causes of GA accidents is continued VFR flight into IMC… The importance of complete weather information, understanding the significance of the weather information, and being able to correlate the pilot's skills and training, aircraft capabilities, and operating environment with an accurate forecast cannot be emphasized enough… VFR pilots in reduced visual conditions may develop spatial disorientation and lose control, possibly going into a graveyard spiral…

According to FAA publication AM-400-03/1, Medical Facts for Pilots,

The graveyard spiral is associated with a return to level flight following an intentional or unintentional prolonged bank turn. For example, a pilot who enters a banking turn to the left will initially have a sensation of a turn in the same direction. If the left turn continues (~20 seconds or more), the pilot will experience the sensation that the airplane is no longer turning to the left. At this point, if the pilot attempts to level the wings, this action will produce a sensation that the airplane is turning and banking in the opposite direction (to the right). If the pilot believes the illusion of a right turn (which can be very compelling), he/she will reenter the original left turn in an attempt to counteract the sensation of a right turn. Unfortunately, while this is happening, the airplane is still turning to the left and losing altitude. Pulling the control yoke/stick and applying power while turning would not be a good idea–because it would only make the left turn tighter. If the pilot fails to recognize the illusion and does not level the wings, the airplane will continue turning left and losing altitude until it impacts the ground.

NTSB Safety Alert SA-017, In-Cockpit NEXRAD Mosaic Imagery, advised pilots that weather radar "mosaic" imagery created from Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) data is subject to latency, and that the age associated with the image on the cockpit display is always older than indicated, sometimes by as much as 15 to 20 minutes.
=====
Location:  Fountain Run, KY
Accident Number:  ERA18FA022
Date & Time: 11/12/2017, 1410 CST
Registration: N3371W
Aircraft: PIPER PA 32-260
Injuries: 4 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On November12, 2017, at 1410 central standard time, a Piper PA-32-260, N3371W, was destroyed during an in-flight break-up and collision with trees and terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering near Fountain Run, Kentucky. The private pilot/owner and three passengers were fatally injured. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight that departed Everett-Stewart Regional Airport (UCY), Union City, Tennessee, at 1303, and was destined for Lake Cumberland Regional Airport (SME), Somerset, Kentucky. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

The pilot and his passengers were returning from a hunting trip. Preliminary radar and voice information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed the airplane contacted the Memphis Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and was receiving flight following services. The airplane was in cruise flight travelling eastbound about 5,500 feet for about 30 minutes before the radar track depicted a slight turn to a northeasterly heading. At 1356, the radar track indicated a climb to between 7,000 and 7,500 feet and a series of left and right turns while maintaining a generally northeast track. Shortly thereafter, the radar track depicted an erratic series of left, right, and 180-degree turns before a sharp right turn. From that point, the radar target descended from about 7,000 feet to 2,800 feet over a 30-second span, before radar contact was lost in the area of the accident site.

One witness near the accident site described seeing the airplane "in a nosedive" before he lost sight of it behind trees.

The pilot/owner held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land. The pilot did not possess an instrument rating.

His most recent FAA third class medical certificate was issued on October 17, 2014. A review of the pilot's logbook revealed the pilot had logged 251 total hours of flight experience, of which 246 were in the accident airplane make and model.

According to FAA and maintenance records, the airplane was manufactured in 1965, and had accrued 2,776.97 total aircraft hours. The most recent annual inspection was completed October 10, 2017, at 2,771.94 total aircraft hours.

The 1415 weather observation at Glasgow Municipal Airport (GLW), 15 miles north of the accident site, included a broken ceiling at 500 ft, an overcast ceiling at 1,300 ft and 10 miles visibility. The wind was from 210°at 4 knots. The temperature was 11°C, the dew point was 11°C, and the altimeter setting was 30.25 inches of mercury.

A preliminary review of high-resolution weather data by an NTSB meteorologist suggested a solid cloud layer between 2,000 feet and 8,000 feet mean sea level (msl) in the area surrounding the accident site.

The ceiling at SME at the estimated time of arrival was 600 feet overcast.

The pilot did not file a flight plan nor obtain a weather briefing from Lockheed Flight Services or through the Direct User Access Terminal Service prior to departure.

The wreckage was examined at the accident site on November 13, 2017. There was an odor of fuel, and all major components of the airplane were accounted for at the scene except for the left aileron balance weight, left tip tank, the stabilator trim tab, and about 6 feet of the right wing and right aileron. Parts associated with the rudder and right wing were located about .75 miles prior to the main wreckage. The entire wreckage path was oriented about 240°magnetic, and the main wreckage path was approximately 100 ft in length.

The initial impact point was in treetops approximately 60 ft high, and the main wreckage came to rest wedged in between tree trunks. The cockpit, cabin area, and empennage were destroyed by impact. Pieces of angularly-cut wood were entangled with the wreckage.

The engine was separated from the airframe and marked the end of the debris path. The propeller was separated from the engine, and came to rest 25 feet prior to the engine. The propeller blades displayed similar "S" bending, trailing-edge gouges, and chordwise scratching.

The airplane was fragmented and scattered along the length of the wreckage path. Control continuity to the wings, rudder, and elevator was confirmed through the control cables and bellcranks to the cockpit area. Separations in the control cabling displayed signatures consistent with cuts by recovery personnel or overload separation.

The engine crankshaft was rotated by hand through the vacuum pump drive pad. Continuity was confirmed through the accessory section to the valve train and crankshaft. Compression was confirmed on all cylinders using the thumb method. The magnetos were intact in their mounts. Once removed, they produced spark at all terminal leads when tested.

The vacuum pump rotated smoothly, and the when disassembled, the rotor and vanes were intact.

The carburetor and fuel pump were destroyed by impact.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: PIPER
Registration: N3371W
Model/Series: PA 32-260 260
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: GLW, 716 ft msl
Observation Time: 1415 CST
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 11°C / 11°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 4 knots, 210°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 500 ft agl
Visibility 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.25 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Union City, TN (UCY)
Destination: Somerset, KY (SME)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 3 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 36.773333, -85.992222 (est)

Honorable Scott T. Foster 

Second to his passion for his family, were his passions for flying, hunting, restoring cars, woodworking, movies, and traveling. Scott was a member of the Kentucky and Tennessee Bar Associations, and the National Rifle Association.

Noah Thomas Foster
Noah had an appreciation and love for flying, whether it was a radio controlled airplane or “wheels up” in the sky. 

Quinton Douglas Whitaker

Doug was a man of God who touched the lives of many people with his life. He was an Attorney, Police Chaplain, and Air Force Veteran. 

Dr. Kyle Patrick Stewart
More than having DMD behind his name, Kyle was a loving, outgoing and kind hearted individual with the ability to love others unconditionally. Kyle enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and friends as well as traveling the world. With his passion for outdoors he became an avid waterfowl hunter.  As a Dentist, Dr. Stewart was considerate, compassionate, caring and treated his patients with dignity, professionalism and respect.

PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - The sudden loss of four Somerset residents left the Kentucky town in shock.

A plane crash in Barren County on Sunday claimed the lives of attorney Scott Foster, his son, 15-year-old Noah Foster, Dr. Kyle Stewart, a local dentist, and Somerset Police chaplain Doug Whitaker; all were well-known in the Somerset community.

"Each of these individuals were contributing to our community. They were at the age part of our future. Tragically being taken away from us leaves a void in our heart," said Mayor Eddie Girdler.

Noah Foster was a sophomore at Pulaski County High School. Principal Rodney McAninch says Noah had several close friends and was active in the school's technology program.

"Obviously subdued, somber. It's a sad day no doubt about it," McAninch said.

Students are signing messages on a banner that will be given to the Foster family. School officials are also making grief counselors available during this difficult time.

"We had a prayer circle for our students in the gym; the students actually initiated that, and it went very well. We want to make sure we support them as well as we can. At the same time, we feel like we need to give them as normal a day as we can here at school to help them cope with the grieving that's happening."

Whitaker attended Grace Baptist Church in Somerset. The pastor there says many people are wondering why this happened.

"The only answer I know is I don't know. Do I believe there is a why behind this? Yes, I do believe there is. I believe God has a purpose and God has a plan. Why he would take a 40-year-old who has a family who loves him? I don't know," said Pastor Bill Haynes.

The four were returning home from a duck hunting trip when the plane went down. All were supporters of the Lake Cumberland Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Dr. Stewart served on the committee.

"They leave behind an important legacy of care and conservation for their natural resources and taking care of their fellow man," said District Chairman, Jeff Adams. "I think that's a pretty nice legacy to leave behind."

Mayor Girdler says the town will be doing several things to pay honor and respect to the four victims, including lowering the flags to half-staff for three days.

Funeral arrangements are still pending for each victim. Lake Cumberland Funeral Home will handle Scott and Noah Foster's arrangements, Pulaski Funeral Home will handle Doug Whitaker's, and Southern Oaks will handle Kyle Stewart's.

Original article can be found here ➤  http://www.wkyt.com

Kentucky State Police have identified the four people killed in a single-engine plane crash about 2:20 p.m. Sunday in Barren County.

Scott T. Foster, 41, and his son, Noah Foster, 15, both of Science Hill, and Kyle P. Stewart, 41, and Quinton D. Whitaker, 40, both of Somerset, were killed when the plane went down near Bewleytown Road in a remote area near Fountain Run, according to KSP.

Scott Foster was an attorney with a law office in Somerset, said Stephen Poindexter, a Burkesville attorney.

“Scott was a mentor to many attorneys,” Poindexter said. “He was a very skilled attorney who had innovative trial skills that would really bring a case to life. He will be deeply missed by many lawyers, clients and friends.”

Three of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Another person was taken to The Medical Center at Bowling Green and was pronounced dead there, KSP Post 3 spokesman Trooper Jeremy Hodges said.

“We’ve contacted the Federal Aviation Administration,” Hodges said Sunday. “It may be hours before they get here.”

Due to fading daylight, state police locked down the scene Sunday until the FAA crew arrived, Hodges said.

Troopers and deputies with the Barren County Sheriff’s Office planned to remain on-site until FAA investigators arrived. 

Hodges said Monday morning that FAA investigators were meeting with troopers to discuss what local authorities have learned about the crash and will travel to the crash site later Monday to gather information.

The plane “went through two or three tree tops” before striking a larger tree, Hodges said. A portion of the plane was lodged in the fork of the larger tree with the remainder of the aircraft on the ground. The debris field is about 200 to 250 feet long, Hodges said, and the total scene spans about 500 feet.

First responders used a rope system to descend an earthen embankment to get photos and mark items of evidence. “We’re trying to mark everything now,” Hodges said Sunday evening.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.bgdailynews.com

Scott T. Foster (left), 41, and his son, 15-year-old Noah Foster (right) were also involved in the plane crash that took place in south-central Kentucky.

GLASGOW, KY (WSMV) - Four people were killed after a single-engine plane crashed in Barren County, Kentucky, Sunday afternoon.

The plane, which was a Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six, was headed to Lake Cumberland Regional Airport in Somerset, Kentucky, when it went down at 2:21 p.m. near Bewleytown Road in the Fountain Run community. 

According to the Kentucky State Police, it struck multiple tree tops when it crashed. 

Three people were pronounced dead at the scene, and a fourth person died after arriving at the Medical Center Hospital in Bowling Green.

The victims have been identified as:

Scott T. Foster, 41, of Science Hill, KY

Kyle P. Stewart, 41, of Somerset, KY

Noah Foster, 15, of Science Hill, KY (biological son of Scott Foster)

Quinton D. Whitaker, 40, of Somerset, KY 

No details have been released about a cause of the crash.

The FAA will arrive to the scene on Monday to assist with the investigation. 

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.wsmv.com

The four appeared to be on a duck hunting trip according to Facebook post by Whitaker the day of the plane crash. Noah Foster (top right) can be seen sitting on a boat.

'#TNDucks #Ducks #Cut’em,' he said in the photo post showing that they had checked in at Reelfoot Lake at 7.41am.

BARREN COUNTY, Ky. (WKRN) – Four people were killed in a plane crash near Glasgow, Kentucky Sunday afternoon.

Police say the crash happened somewhere off of Bewleytown Road and Capitol Hill Church Road.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that a Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six crashed near Glasgow, Ky. just before 2:30 p.m.

FAA officials said the plane’s destination was the Lake Cumberland International Airport in Somerset, Kentucky.

The victims have been identified as Dr. Kyle Stewart, Doug Whitaker, Scott Foster and his fifteen-year-old son, Noah Foster. Friends told WBKO the four were returning from a hunting trip in Tennessee.

Kentucky State Police Public Information Officer Jeremy Hodges described the wreckage as “mangled”. He also said there is a field of debris up to 200 feet wide.

Hodges described the state of the plane, saying it looks to have hit some tree tops before being halted by one of the trees.

A KSP Trooper said that the Barren County Sheriff’s office has secured the scene and will stay there until the NTSB comes Monday to do their investigation.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

In a separate crash in Warren County, Tennessee Tuesday, two men died when their Piper PA-32 also crashed.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://wkrn.com

Whitaker changed his profile picture on November 11 showing him on the duck hunting trip.

GLASGOW, Ky. (AP/ WTVQ) – State Police continue to investigate a small plane crash in south-central Kentucky that killed four people.

The Barren County Coroner has identified the victims as 40-year-old Quinton D. Whitaker of Somerset, 41-year-old Kyle P. Stewart of Somerset, 41-year-old Scott T. Foster and his son, 15-year-old Noah Foster of Science Hill.

The Federal Aviation Administration says in a statement that a Piper PA-32 crashed near Glasgow at 2:21 p.m. CT Sunday.

The FAA says the plane was heading to the Lake Cumberland Regional Airport in Somerset.

The statement didn’t say where the plane was coming from.

Kentucky State Police spokesman Trooper Jeremy Hodges tells the Bowling Green Daily News that three people were pronounced dead at the scene and a fourth victim was later pronounced dead at a hospital in Bowling Green.

Hodges says part of the plane was lodged between large branches in a tree. National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Terry Williams says NTSB investigators planned to arrive at the site on Monday.

Original article can be found here ➤  https://www.wtvq.com

GLASGOW, Ky. (LEX 18/AP) - Kentucky State Police say four people have died in the crash of a small plane in south-central Kentucky.
    
The Federal Aviation Administration says in a statement that a Piper PA32 crashed near Glasgow at 2:21 p.m. CT Sunday. The FAA says the plane was heading to the Lake Cumberland Regional Airport in Somerset. The statement didn't say where the plane was coming from.
    
Kentucky State Police spokesman Trooper Jeremy Hodges told LEX 18 three people were pronounced dead at the scene and a fourth victim was later pronounced dead at a hospital in Bowling Green. He says the plane crashed after it hit several tree tops in a wooded area. 

KSP released the identities of the deceased as Scott Foster, 41, of Science Hill, his son Noah Foster, 15, of Science Hill, Dr. Kyle Stewart, 41, of Somerset, and Somerset Police chaplain Quinton D. Whitaker, 40.

National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Terry Williams says NTSB investigators planned to arrive at the site on Monday.

Story and video:  http://www.lex18.com

GLASGOW, Ky. (AP) —  Authorities say four people have been killed in a plane crash in Kentucky.

The Bowling Green Daily News reports that Kentucky State Police say 41-year-old Kyle P. Stewart, 40-year-old Quinton D. Whitaker, 41-year-old Scott T. Foster and his son, 15-year-old Noah Foster were killed Sunday afternoon when the small plane crashed in Barren County in south-central Kentucky.

KSP Post 3 spokesman Trooper Jeremy Hodges says three people were pronounced dead at the scene, and the fourth person was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Hodges says the plane went through multiple tree tops before striking a larger tree, leaving a debris field about 200 to 250 feet long. The total scene spans around 500 feet.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.wlwt.com

UPDATE: The Barren County Coroner's Office has confirmed the identity of the four people who died in a plane crash near Fountain Run Sunday. 

The names of the deceased have been released by the Kentucky State Police. They are: Scott T. Foster, 41, and his 15-year-old son, Noah,  of Science Hill; Kyle P. Stewart, 41, of Somerset; and Quinton D. Whitaker, 40, of Somerset. 

AUSTIN — Four people have died in a plane crash in Barren County. 

Emergency crews were called to a plane crash at about 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon in southern Barren County near Tracy.

Some details including the names of the deceased have not been confirmed by authorities, but witnesses said they observed a small plane that appeared to be struggling with control shortly before it crashed in a field on a farm just off Capitol Hill Church Road near Bewleytown Road. 

In a news release issued by the Kentucky State Police on Sunday evening, authorities said the single engine aircraft struck multiple tree tops in a wooded area. 

Misty Keele said she was hunting on property adjacent to the site of the crash when she saw the plane just before it went down. 

She said debris apparently from the plane landed near her. 

"My heart was just pounding," Keele said. 

She was hunting along with Matt Poynter and Gabriel Knudson, both of whom said the plane appeared to be struggling to maintain control before it went down. 

Poynter said at first, he thought the plane was performing tricks as it looked like it barrel rolled just before crashing. 

"But I realized [the pilot] had lost all control," he said. 

Poynter had a photograph on his cell phone of what appeared to be debris from the crash he said had landed close to Keele. 

Knudson said he heard a loud sound like an explosion just before the crash and saw debris falling from the sky. 

"That's one sight you don't ever want to see," he said. 

Kenneth Strode lives near the site of the crash, and said he was cleaning a deer from a recent hunting trip along with a friend when they both heard a loud noise. 

"I thought it was going to take off the top of the house," he said. 

Multiple witnesses said they heard the engine of the plane cut on and off before the crash. 

The site where the remainder of the plane came to rest is several hundred feet from the roadway behind a line of trees near a small creek. 

The KSP and the Federal Aviation Administration were conducting a joint investigation as of Sunday evening. 

Three of the occupants of the plane were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was pronounced dead after being transported to the Medical Center in Bowling Green. 

Original article  ➤  http://www.glasgowdailytimes.com

GLASGOW, Ky. - Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed a single-engine plane crash in Barren County, Kentucky killed four people.

Reports stated the plane crashed near Bewleytown Road in the Fountain Run community of Barren County around 2:21 p.m. Sunday.

Details on the crash had not been released; however, authorities confirmed three people died at the scene, and a fourth victim died after being taken to the Medical Center in Bowling Green.

The identities of those killed were released Sunday night. Scott T. Foster, age 41 of Science Hill, Kentucky, and his son, 15-year-old Noah Foster, both died in the crash. Troopers identified the other two victims as 41-year-old Kyle P. Stewart and 40-year-old Quinton D. Whitaker, both of Somerset, Kentucky.

Authorities with the FAA said the plane was a Piper PA32 that was headed to the Lake Cumberland Regional Airport in Somerset.

Further details were not released as the investigation continued by the FAA and Kentucky State Police. Officials with the NTSB were set to determine the probable cause of the crash.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.newschannel5.com