Seven lives were lost Friday in a plane crash in Wyoming, including three members of the renowned gospel music group the Nelons. Dr. Alan Diehl, an aviation expert, provides insights into the harrowing final moments of the flight, while investigators delve into the possible role of autopilot failure.
In a tragic turn of events, the gospel music community is mourning the loss of three members of the iconic quartet the Nelons, who perished along with four others in a plane crash in Wyoming on Friday. The deceased include Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Clark.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash, with investigators focusing on a possible autopilot issue as a contributing factor. NTSB spokesperson Keith Holloway noted that this concern was raised during the initial investigation of the crash site.
Tragedy Strikes Gospel Music World as Three Members of the Nelons Perish in Plane Crash
Dr. Alan Diehl, a former NTSB, FAA, and U.S. Air Force Crash Investigator, painted a grim picture of what the passengers may have experienced in the moments leading up to the fatal impact. He described it as "dark terror," akin to the scene depicted in his novel about the fatal plane crash of John F. Kennedy Jr.
Diehl emphasized the possibility that a loss of pressurization may have mercifully rendered the passengers unconscious or semi-conscious in the final moments. He also explained that investigators will meticulously analyze the location of bodies and clothing to determine whether they were present in the aircraft or ejected during the crash.
Tragedy Strikes Gospel Music World as Three Members of the Nelons Perish in Plane Crash
Kathleen Bangs, an aviation safety expert and former airline pilot, highlighted the expensive nature of the Pilatus PC 12 aircraft, which requires a single pilot to operate. She suggested that unfavorable weather conditions may have played a role in the crash, causing the plane to spin out of control.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the youngest daughter of the Nelon family, and her husband, Jamie Streetman, were not on the ill-fated flight. They learned of the tragedy upon arriving safely in Seattle for the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska.
Tragedy Strikes Gospel Music World as Three Members of the Nelons Perish in Plane Crash
Autumn and Jamie will be returning home to join Kelly's brother, Todd Nelon, and his wife, Rhonda, to navigate the aftermath of this devastating loss. They, along with the Kistler family, Haynie family, and family of Melodi Hodges, request prayers during this difficult time.
The Nelons were a celebrated gospel music group, inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and recipients of numerous GMA Dove Awards. Their music has touched countless lives, and their absence will be deeply felt within the industry and beyond.
NTSB expects to release a preliminary report on the crash within 30 days, while a final report with the probable cause could take up to two years to complete. The investigation will provide crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
