Two Dead After CA6-WB Crash Near Nicholasville, Ky.

Two people were killed Saturday morning when a CA6-WB small aircraft crashed in a rural farm field near Nicholasville, Ky., shortly after departing Lexington's Blue Grass Airport. The aircraft, registration N82BT, was a six-seat general aviation plane registered to Brian P. Tonner, according to National Transportation Safety Board records.

Flight Timeline and Casualties

Flight-tracking data indicates the aircraft departed Blue Grass Airport at approximately 8:40 a.m. and flew roughly 10 miles, reaching a maximum altitude of 3,300 feet and a top speed of 189 mph. Airport officials reported the aircraft dropped off radar while transmitting distress signals around 8:46 a.m. The NTSB later noted distress signals were recorded at 8:51 a.m., with impact occurring approximately five minutes later. The Jessamine County Coroner's Office identified the victims as Brian Paul Tonner, 72, the pilot, and Karen Lynn Tonner, 71, a passenger. Both died of blunt force trauma. Wreckage was found in a farming area off Kentucky Route 169 between U.S. 27 and U.S. 68.

Investigation Status

The NTSB is investigating the June 20 crash in coordination with the Jessamine County Sheriff's Office. The agency confirmed the aircraft type as a CA6-WB; the cause of the accident remains undetermined. Investigators are asking witnesses or anyone with surveillance footage of the area to contact them at witness@ntsb.gov.