Nicholasville, United States: A Florida couple was killed after an experimental aircraft crashed into a farm in central Kentucky just minutes after departing Blue Grass Airport on Saturday, June 20, with federal investigators continuing to examine what caused the fatal accident.
The victims have been identified as Brian Tonner, 72, and Karen Tonner, 71, according to the Jessamine County Coroner’s Office. Coroner Michael Hughes said the married couple, both residents of Florida, were traveling home when the crash occurred on June 20.
Authorities said Brian Tonner was piloting a Comp Air CA-6 experimental aircraft while Karen Tonner was onboard as a passenger.
The aircraft departed Blue Grass Airport in Lexington at approximately 8:40 a.m. local time and crashed about six minutes later on a farm near Kentucky Route 169, between U.S. 27 and U.S. 68 in Jessamine County, south of Nicholasville.
Emergency crews responded shortly after receiving reports of an aircraft accident in the rural area. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to flight-tracking data, the aircraft traveled roughly 10 miles after departure and reached an altitude of approximately 3,300 feet before radar contact was lost. Investigators have not determined what caused the aircraft to go down.
The aircraft involved was identified as a Comp Air CA-6, an experimental, amateur-built aircraft. Aviation records list the airplane as registration N82BT.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an investigation immediately following the crash. Investigators spent several days documenting the wreckage and collecting evidence from the crash site.
The agency said investigators are reviewing multiple factors, including the pilot’s flight experience, the aircraft’s maintenance and operational history, weather conditions at the time of the accident, air traffic control information, radar data, and witness statements.
Officials have not indicated whether the aircraft experienced a mechanical issue before impact. The NTSB said the wreckage will be transported to a secure facility for a more detailed examination once on-site documentation is completed.
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft shortly before it crashed, and investigators are continuing to gather statements and any available video footage from the area.
The FAA is assisting the NTSB in the investigation. No preliminary cause has been released, and officials cautioned that determining the circumstances behind the crash could take months.
A preliminary NTSB report is expected within the coming weeks, while a final report identifying the probable cause of the accident may take considerably longer. The crash remains under investigation.
