Three members of the gospel group The Nelons were among seven people killed in a plane crash in Wyoming on Friday, July 26. There were no survivors.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) mentioned an “autopilot issue during flight” as a possible concern, and they are still investigating the crash site. Dr. Alan Diehl, an aviation expert, speculated that the passengers may have experienced extreme fear before the crash. He mentioned that if the plane lost pressurization, the passengers might have been unconscious in the final moments, which he suggested could be a merciful outcome.
The victims included Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler. Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, their assistant Melodi Hodges, the pilot Larry Haynie, and his wife Melissa also died in the crash.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, another band member and the daughter of Kelly and Jason, expressed gratitude for the prayers and support for her family. She mentioned that her family, including her husband Jamie and their unborn baby, would appreciate continued support during this difficult time.
Kathleen Bangs, an aviation safety expert, noted that the Pilatus PC-12 is a high-end aircraft that requires only one pilot. She suggested that weather conditions could have contributed to the crash, causing the plane to lose control. She also discussed the possibility of the passengers losing consciousness due to the high altitude and speed.
The Nelons were traveling to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when the crash occurred. Autumn and her husband were not on the plane and learned of the accident when they arrived safely in Seattle. They will now return home to start dealing with the aftermath of the crash.
A preliminary report on the incident is expected in about 30 days, while the final report could take up to two years to complete.