CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — In July, a plane crash in northeast Wyoming resulted in the tragic loss of seven lives, including three members of the well-known Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame group, The Nelons. Just before the crash, the pilot declared an emergency and reported that the autopilot system had failed.
According to a preliminary report released this week by the National Transportation Safety Board, the plane had taken off from a Nebraska airport on July 26, intending to make a stop in Billings, Montana. Unfortunately, the aircraft went down approximately 12 miles (19 kilometers) northeast of Recluse, Wyoming.
As the flight neared its end, the pilot communicated an emergency situation to the Salt Lake City Air Route Traffic Control Center and informed them about the loss of the autopilot. The air traffic controller asked the pilot about a potential landing site, but there was initially no response. Later, the pilot mentioned that he was “trying to get control of the airplane,” as stated in the report.
After radar and radio contact was lost, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an alert for the missing airplane, which was subsequently discovered crashed in a remote location.
Witnesses near the crash site reported different alarming observations. One person noted a “loud whining noise” just before the plane hit the ground, while another saw the plane performing a “barrel roll” and heard its engine “roaring loudly” until it crashed.
The final report, which will investigate potential causes of the incident, is expected to be released soon.
Sadly, among those who lost their lives in the crash were Kelly Nelon Clark, co-founder of The Nelons, her husband Jason Clark, their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, as well as Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler, family friend Melodi Hodges, and Larry and Melissa Haynie. The group was scheduled to participate in the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska, and it was confirmed through a statement by Gaither Management Group that Larry Haynie was the pilot of the aircraft.
The Nelons were recognized for their significant contributions to gospel music, having been inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and receiving 10 GMA Dove Awards over the years for achievements such as Song of the Year and Album of the Year.
