James Alan Michaels Dies at 70 in Kentucky L-39 Crash After Reporting Issues

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 9

James Alan Michaels, 70, was killed Sunday after his L-39 Albatros crashed and caught fire in a Mayfield, Kentucky, field shortly after takeoff.
Sheriff's officials said the Wisconsin pilot radioed that he was having issues, tried to turn back to the airport, then reported he would not be able to land.
The jet went down near Spence Chapel Road after apparently attempting an emergency landing in an empty cornfield; investigators believe it struck a ditch, ignited and rolled.
Tonie Michaels, 35, was flying a second L-39 alongside her father on the return trip from Mississippi, landed safely, and reached the crash scene soon after.
The NTSB is leading the investigation, reviewing the pilot, aircraft and operating environment; a final probable-cause report is expected in 12 to 24 months.