NTSB Identification: ERA15FA088
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, January 02, 2015 in Kuttawa, KY
Aircraft: PIPER PA 34-200T, registration: N81291
Injuries: 4 Fatal, 1 Serious.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On January 2, 2015, about 1800 central standard time, a Piper PA-34-200T, N81291, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain during a forced landing near Kuttawa, Kentucky. The commercial pilot, and three passengers were fatally injured, and another passenger was seriously injured. Night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the personal flight which was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight departed Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH), Tallahassee, Florida, around 1600 eastern standard time, with the intended destination of Mount Vernon Airport (MVN), Mount Vernon, Illinois.
Preliminary information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that at 1750, the pilot contacted air traffic control and requested vectors to the nearest airport in visual flight rules (VFR) weather conditions due to "problems" with both engines. The controller advised him that Kentucky Dam State (M34) was 11 miles west of his position. The pilot announced he had the airport in sight, and that the airplane's right engine had stopped producing power. The controller then cleared the airplane for a visual approach. The pilot acknowledged the clearance, advised that he had lost sight of the airport, and asked for the airport common traffic advisory frequency. There were no further radio communications from the airplane.
At 1755, after several attempts to contact the airplane, the controller advised that radar contact was lost. The airplane was last observed descending through 2,700 feet approximately 10 miles west of M34.
According to FAA records, the pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane. In addition, the pilot held a flight instructor certificate for airplane single engine, multiengine, and instrument airplane. His most recent third-class medical certificate was issued on February 4, 2014. On that date, the pilot reported 2,300 hours of total flight experience, of which, 50 hours were in the previous six months.
According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in 1979 and was registered to a corporation on October 29, 2012. It was equipped with two Continental Motors Inc. TSIO-360-series, 210- horsepower engines, with two 2-bladed Hartzell controllable pitch propellers. The most recent annual inspection was performed on March 16, 2014, and at 7573.4 total aircraft hours.
The airplane came to rest inverted with the landing gear retracted, and was examined at the accident site on January 4, 2015. There was a strong odor of fuel, and all major components of the airplane were accounted for at the scene. The wreckage path was oriented 228 degrees, was approximately 300 feet in length, at 480 feet elevation.
The fuselage and empennage were largely intact, but heavily damaged by impact. The right outboard fuel tank was destroyed by impact and displayed evidence of a small post-crash fire. Flight control continuity was confirmed from all flight control surfaces to the cockpit through tensile overload breaks and cuts made by recovery personnel. Examination of the cockpit and cabin areas revealed that both control yokes were attached to their respective columns and that the throttle, mixture, and propeller levers were intact in the throttle quadrant, and in the full forward position.
The seats were anchored in their mounts, the seatbelts were buckled, and all were cut by rescue personnel with one exception. The forward-facing right aft seat belt was intact and unbuckled.
The left engine was separated from all engine mounts but remained attached to the left wing through wires and cables. The left engine turbocharger was removed from the engine and examined. Rotational scoring was noted on the interior of the turbocharger near the turbine vanes. The left propeller was separated from the left engine and was in the vicinity of the main wreckage. The propeller blades exhibited a slight s-bend on one blade and the other exhibited chordwise scratching. The spinner was impact damaged.
The right engine remained attached to all engine mounts and was attached to the right wing. The engine cowl was removed to facilitate further examination. All major engine components remained attached to the engine. The right propeller was separated from the right engine and was located forward of and in the vicinity of the right engine. The right propeller spinner exhibited impact damage and both propeller blades were bent in the aft direction.
The airplane was recovered from the site, and fuel was noted draining from the ruptured fuel tanks. A detailed examination of the airplane was conducted in Springfield, Tennessee, on January 5, 2015. The right engine was removed from its nacelle, and prepared for shipment and examination at a later date.
A Garmin 696 GPS, a Garmin 496 GPS, and an iPhone were also retained for examination at a later date.
According to Lockheed-Martin Flight Service, they did not provide any type of services to the pilot on the day of the accident. However, the pilot filed his IFR flight plan around 1540 eastern standard time with an online commercial vendor prior to departure, but there was no evidence that a weather briefing was obtained at that time.
A preliminary examination of weather data by an NTSB Senior meteorologist revealed a forecast of IFR conditions along the entire route of flight. In addition, Airman's Meteorological Information (AIRMET) advisories for IFR, icing, and mountain obscuration conditions were in effect around the time of the accident.
At 1753, the weather conditions reported at Barkley Regional Airport (PAH), an airport approximately 29 miles west of the accident location, indicated wind from 060 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 6 statute miles in mist, ceiling overcast at 600 feet above ground level (agl), temperature and dew point 3 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 30.22 inches of mercury. Remarks indicated that the automated observation system noted rain began at 1725 and ended at 1747.
========================
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now investigating a Western Kentucky plane crash that killed four family members, leaving a sole 7-year-old survivor.
A distress call was made by pilot Marty Gutzler from the Piper-Seneca twin engine aircraft just after 5:30 p.m. Friday to the Memphis Traffic Control Center according to Officer Brent White with the Kentucky State Police.
The plane was told to deviate from it's original flight path from Key West, Florida to Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
The plane crashed shortly after in a forest near the Kentucky Dam State Airport.
“I think the primary thing they would be concerned with at this point is the condition of the aircraft," Dr. Jose Ruiz with the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) Flight School said.
Ruiz has more than 20 years experience in flight safety. He's now the chair of the department of Aviation Management and Flight at SIUC.
He explains that there are many factors the NTSB will consider during their investigation.
“I believe the weather, perhaps in concert with engine problems, perhaps the pilot was feeling overwhelmed, could have led to some poor decision making," Ruiz said.
Weather conditions, visibility, mechanical failure, and split second decisions all could have played a role in this tragic crash.
“We have such sophisticated aircraft that we typically don't suffer catastrophic mechanical failure, however, if we do have issues with the aircraft coupled with poor decision making, it could result in this sort of tragedy," Ruiz said.
The NTSB announced that it will release preliminary results of the investigation in the next 10 days, but said it may take up to a year for the full investigation results.
http://www.kfvs12.com
Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II, N81291
KEY WEST, Fla. (KMOX) -
KMOX has learned the Nashville, Illinois family killed in Friday’s plane
crash in western Kentucky may have been the victim of a scam in Florida
a few days prior to the crash.
A Key West Police Department report filed December 27th, says Gerald Martin Gutzler Jr. and Kim Gutzler arrived in Florida to find a home they had rented for their stay was occupied and not a rental property.
The Gutzlers showed police documentation to prove they had prepaid with Vacation Homes LLC of Key West.
The occupants of the home said this is not the first time they’ve had to turn away unsuspecting renters.
Key West Police say the address given for Vacation Homes LLC is actually a doctor’s office.
Marty & Kim Gutzler died when their plane crashed January 2nd east of Paducah, Kentucky. So did their nine-year-old daughter Piper and 14-year-old relative Sierra Wilder. Their other daughter, 7-year-old Sailor, survived.
Story and Comments: http://stlouis.cbslocal.com
KFVS12 News
Kentucky State Police Lt. Brent White, NTSB investigator Heidi Moats and another NTSB official at Sunday's news conference
The Gutzler Family
LYON COUNTY, KY (KFVS) - Members of the National Transportation Safety Board are on the site of the deadly plane crash in Lyon County, Ky. Sunday morning. A fund has been set up by the family of the 7-year-old survivor.
The crash killed two adults and two children Friday night. A 7-year-old girl survived.
A web fund has been set up for Sailor Gutzler according to the family's attorney.
"Your generous donation will help Sailor obtain the emotional, physical and educational support she will need in the years to come. Thank you in advance for your cooperation," according to the website.
Kentucky State Police say NTSB crews expect to begin extricating the plane in pieces.
The NTSB did not arrive at the scene of the deadly plane crash in Lyon County until Sunday morning due to flight delays and other logistical concerns.
The NTSB says it will have preliminary report in 10 days. The full report and findings could take over a year.
NTSB investigator Heidi Moats says salvage crews have arrived.
Once the scene is clear, the plane will be taken to site in Tennessee for examination of engine and frame.
When asked how remarkable it is that the 7-year-old girl survived, Moats says "she's one remarkable young lady."
Kentucky State Police says investigators on the scene of a plane crash confirm four people are dead at the crash site. A 7-year-old girl walked away from the crash site to find help.
Members of the FAA were at the site of the deadly plane crash in Lyon County on Saturday.
Kentucky State Police say they are remaining at the scene in a security capacity.
Officials have indicated a minimum of two days to conduct an investigation at the scene. Inclement weather hampered progress on Saturday.
Police have released the names of the victims.
Marty Gutzler, 48, the father; Kimberly Gutzler, 45, the mother; Piper Gutzler, 9, daughter; and Sierra Wilder, 14, cousin of Piper Gutzler.
The Gutzler family and Wilder were all from Nashville, Illinois.
The 7-year-old survivor of the crash was released from Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Ky. just after 1 a.m.
Attorney Kent L. Plotner, released this statement on Saturday on behalf of the family:
"The Gutzler family mourns the loss of Marty, Kim and Piper Gutzler and Sierra Wilder. We are devastated by this loss, but are confident that they rest in God's loving arms. We ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time. Please pray for us, especially for Sailor Gutzler."The bodies of those killed were taken to Louisville for autopsies.
Police say the wreckage of a small plane was found in a wooded area off of Buckberry Trail, which runs off of KY 810 South in the Suwanee community of Lyon County.
Suwanee is located along U.S. 62, about five miles west of Eddyville.
According to police, the deaths account for the pilot and remaining passengers.
Kentucky EMA Regional Manager Mark Garland said there was one survivor, a young girl who managed to get out of the plane and find her way out of the wooded area to a house where she asked for help. He said the homeowner then alerted local officials to the crash site.
KSP says a caller reported they saw a plane go down around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.
KSP says a caller told them that a 7-year-old girl had walked to his home saying that she had been involved in a plane crash.
Police say the child was in distress and was taken to a hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Police say the FAA Memphis Center confirmed a distress call from a private aircraft near the area of the reported crash.
The FAA says a Piper PA-34-200T aircraft crashed 7 miles east of the Kentucky Dam State Airport, about 30 miles east of Paducah.
The plane is described as a fixed wing, multiple engine aircraft.
The FAA says air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft as it was flying over Marshall County around 6:55 p.m. on Friday.
They say they lost contact shortly after the pilot reported engine problems.
According to police, the plane had left Key West, Florida earlier on Friday with a destination of Mt. Vernon, Ill.
Lyon County officials have set up a staging area for emergency equipment along KY 810, about one mile north of U.S. 62 at Suwanee to help their response to the crash site.
The public is asked to avoid the area so as not to impede emergency equipment and personnel.
Traffic along KY 810 was down to one lane in the area to allow nearby residents access to their homes.
This is a similar picture of what the plane looks like from the Piper website.
“I've got an 8-year-old child myself, that just turned 8-years-old. And when I saw this [what] appeared to be a 7-year-old child that walked through this dense Forrest," Lieutenant Brent White with the Kentucky State Police said. "Through some really tough terrain. Awful poor weather conditions – and survive this, it's just really a miracle."
Kentucky State Police Lt. White says that first responders " worked tirelessly to find this wreckage and hopefully salvage the lives of those that were on board. But, ultimately, it just wasn't meant to be."
According to CNN, Even with the plane upside down, the 7-year-old made it out, trekked three-quarters of a mile in the dark through what Wilkins described as "very, very rough territory" mired with fallen trees, creeks, ditches and blackberry briars.
Larry Wilkins went to his door. He opened it to see a young girl - her lips quivering, her nose bloodied, her arms and legs scratched up.
CNN reports the girl was barefoot except for one sock and was dressed for Florida -shorts, no coat - not for slogging through the January cold of Kentucky. Wilkins got her on his couch and called 911, alerting authorities that a plane had gone down and there was at least one survivor.
The Rev. Matthew Wietfeldt, from Nashville's Trinity Lutheran Church, said those killed, who he's known for four years "will be deeply missed."
"The Gutzlers were a wonderful family and wonderful members of our congregation and community," Wietfeldt said, according to CNN.
Heartland News talked to Troy Dunbar, a Gutzler employee and friend of family for more than 20 years. He said that Marty had been flying since he was 16 years old. He says Gutzler loved everything about aviation. He said Gutzler had flown the route to Key West in that very plane several times, and was a good pilot.
Dunbar says Marty and Kim Gutzler had two daughters together.
The employee says Kim's son was in the military and stationed in Key West. The family was coming back from visiting for the holidays.
Marty Gutzler and his Dad, Jerry, owned the furniture store together.
Marty was described as being very involved in daughters lives. He coached youth softball and soccer.
KSP would like to thank all the agencies and personnel who assisted with the plane crash incident in Lyons County.
Campagna Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for those killed.
Agencies taking part in this incident include: Kentucky State Police, Lyon County Sheriff's Office, Eddyville Police Department, Kuttawa Fire Department, Eddyville Fire Department, Aurora-Ross Fire Department, Lyon County Rescue, Marshall County Rescue, Lyon County EMS, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Lyon County Emergency Management, Marshall County Emergency Management and Lyon County Coroner's Office.
Marty (49), Kim (45) & Piper (9) Gutzler
January 2, 2015
Marty Gutzler age 49, his wife Kimberly age 45 and their daughter Piper age 9 all of Nashville, IL, departed this life on Friday, January 2, 2015 due to an aviation accident near Eddyville, KY.
Arrangements are pending at the Campagna Funeral Home in Nashville, IL.
Source: http://www.campagnafuneralhomes.com
wave3.com-Louisville News, Weather
LYON COUNTY, KY (KFVS) -
Members of the National Transportation Safety Board are on the site of
the deadly plane crash in Lyon County, Ky. Sunday morning. The press
conference is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.
The crash killed two adults and two children Friday night. A 7-year-old girl survived.
Kentucky State Police say NTSB crews expect to begin extricating the plane in pieces.
An 11 a.m. news conference is set to release more details.
The NTSB did not arrive at the scene of the deadly plane crash in Lyon County until Sunday morning due to flight delays and other logistical concerns.
The press conference will be held at 309 Lee S. Jones Park Road in Eddyville. Lee S. Jones Park is located off of 93 South near Eddyville, Ky. NTSB and Lyon Co Emergency Management will be present along with FAA Officials.
Kentucky State Police says investigators on the scene of a plane crash confirm four people are dead at the crash site. A 7-year-old girl walked away from the crash site to find help.
Members of the FAA were at the site of the deadly plane crash in Lyon County on Saturday.
Kentucky State Police say they are remaining at the scene in a security capacity.
Officials have indicated a minimum of two days to conduct an investigation at the scene. Inclement weather hampered progress on Saturday.
Police have released the names of the victims.
Marty Gutzler, 48, the father; Kimberly Gutzler, 45, the mother; Piper Gutzler, 9, daughter; and Sierra Wilder, 14, cousin of Piper Gutzler.
The Gutzler family and Wilder were all from Nashville, Illinois.
The 7-year-old survivor of the crash was released from Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Ky. just after 1 a.m.
Attorney Kent L. Plotner, released this statement on Saturday on behalf of the family:
"The Gutzler family mourns the loss of Marty, Kim and Piper Gutzler and Sierra Wilder. We are devastated by this loss, but are confident that they rest in God's loving arms. We ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time. Please pray for us, especially for Sailor Gutzler."
The bodies will be taken to Louisville for autopsies.
Police say the wreckage of a small plane was found in a wooded area off of Buckberry Trail, which runs off of KY 810 South in the Suwanee community of Lyon County.
Suwanee is located along U.S. 62, about five miles west of Eddyville.
According to police, the deaths account for the pilot and remaining passengers.
Kentucky EMA Regional Manager Mark Garland said there was one survivor, a young girl who managed to get out of the plane and find her way out of the wooded area to a house where she asked for help. He said the homeowner then alerted local officials to the crash site.
KSP says a caller reported they saw a plane go down around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.
KSP says a caller told them that a 7-year-old girl had walked to his home saying that she had been involved in a plane crash.
Police say the child was in distress and was taken to a hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Police say the FAA Memphis Center confirmed a distress call from a private aircraft near the area of the reported crash.
The FAA says a Piper PA-34-200T aircraft crashed 7 miles east of the Kentucky Dam State Airport, about 30 miles east of Paducah.
The plane is described as a fixed wing, multiple engine aircraft.
The FAA says air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft as it was flying over Marshall County around 6:55 p.m. on Friday.
They say they lost contact shortly after the pilot reported engine problems.
According to police, the plane had left Key West, Florida earlier on Friday with a destination of Mt. Vernon, Ill.
Lyon County officials have set up a staging area for emergency equipment along KY 810, about one mile north of U.S. 62 at Suwanee to help their response to the crash site.
The public is asked to avoid the area so as not to impede emergency equipment and personnel.
Traffic along KY 810 was down to one lane in the area to allow nearby residents access to their homes.
This is a similar picture of what the plane looks like from the Piper website.
“I've got an 8-year-old child myself, that just turned 8-years-old. And when I saw this [what] appeared to be a 7-year-old child that walked through this dense Forrest," Lieutenant Brent White with the Kentucky State Police said. "Through some really tough terrain. Awful poor weather conditions – and survive this, it's just really a miracle."
Kentucky State Police Lt. White says that first responders " worked tirelessly to find this wreckage and hopefully salvage the lives of those that were on board. But, ultimately, it just wasn't meant to be."
According to CNN, Even with the plane upside down, the 7-year-old made it out, trekked three-quarters of a mile in the dark through what Wilkins described as "very, very rough territory" mired with fallen trees, creeks, ditches and blackberry briars.
Larry Wilkins went to his door. He opened it to see a young girl - her lips quivering, her nose bloodied, her arms and legs scratched up.
CNN reports the girl was barefoot except for one sock and was dressed for Florida -shorts, no coat - not for slogging through the January cold of Kentucky. Wilkins got her on his couch and called 911, alerting authorities that a plane had gone down and there was at least one survivor.
The Rev. Matthew Wietfeldt, from Nashville's Trinity Lutheran Church, said those killed, who he's known for four years "will be deeply missed."
"The Gutzlers were a wonderful family and wonderful members of our congregation and community," Wietfeldt said, according to CNN.
Heartland News talked to Troy Dunbar, a Gutzler employee and friend of family for more than 20 years. He said that Marty had been flying since he was 16 years old. He says Gutzler loved everything about aviation. He said Gutzler had flown the route to Key West in that very plane several times, and was a good pilot.
Dunbar says Marty and Kim Gutzler had two daughters together.
The employee says Kim's son was in the military and stationed in Key West. The family was coming back from visiting for the holidays.
Marty Gutzler and his Dad, Jerry, owned the furniture store together.
Marty was described as being very involved in daughters lives. He coached youth softball and soccer.
KSP would like to thank all the agencies and personnel who assisted with the plane crash incident in Lyons County.
Agencies taking part in this incident include: Kentucky State Police, Lyon County Sheriff's Office, Eddyville Police Department, Kuttawa Fire Department, Eddyville Fire Department, Aurora-Ross Fire Department, Lyon County Rescue, Marshall County Rescue, Lyon County EMS, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Lyon County Emergency Management, Marshall County Emergency Management and Lyon County Coroner's Office.
http://www.kfvs12.com
Larry
Wilkins retells the story of how his dogs, Bonnie and Pete (left),
alerted him to a noise on his front porch, where he would meet the
seven-year-old sole survivor of a airplane crash.
.jpg)
Marty
and Kim Gutzler with their two daughters, Piper and Sailor, at the
family's furniture store in Nashville. The couple and their older
daughter, Piper, were victims of a fatal plane crash Friday night which
left their 7-year-old as the lone survivor.
NASHVILLE — An attorney serving as a spokesman for the Gutzler family of Nashville has released a statement the family is devastated by the loss of three family members during a plane crash in Kuttawa, Kentucky.
Attorney Kent Plotner, who was serving as family spokesman, said the Gutzler family was devastated by the loss.
"We ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time," the information from attorney Kent Plotner states. "Please pray for us, especially for Sailor Gutzler," the family said in a statement.
Seven-year-old Sailor Gutzler is the only survivor of the crash, which killed her parents, 48-year-old Marty Gutzler and 46-year-old Kimberly Gutzler as well as her sister, 9-year-old Piper Gutzler and her cousin, Sierra Wilder, 14. Bodies of the victims are in Louisville, Ky., for autopsy.
Sailor Gutzler has been released to family after being treated at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Ky., according to the Kentucky State Police.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane took off from Tallahassee Regional Airport in Florida, bound for Mt. Vernon Outland Airport.
The family had been celebrating the new year in Key West, Fla., and were returning to their home in Nashville. The plane reported engine trouble just before 6 p.m. on Friday, and air traffic controllers attempted to direct the Piper PA-34 to a nearby airport. About 40 minutes later, emergency personnel received the call the plane had crashed and there was a single survivor.
According to the Associated Press, Sailor Gutzler walked through woods and thick briar patches, wearing only a short-sleeve shirt, shorts and no shoes in near-freezing temperatures when she saw a light in the distance.
The beacon led her to Larry Wilkins' home, police said, and she knocked on the door. Wilkins answered to find a thin, black-haired girl, whimpering and trembling.
"I come to the door and there's a little girl, 7 years old, bloody nose, bloody arms, bloody legs, one sock, no shoes, crying," Wilkins, 71, told The Associated Press on Saturday. "She told me that her mom and dad were dead, and she had been in a plane crash, and the plane was upside down."
Wilkins told the AP he brought the girl inside, got a washcloth and "washed her little face off and her legs."
"Brave little girl, outstanding little girl," he said. "I feel real bad for her."
The girl had a broken wrist, but was coherent and calm when interviewed by authorities, Kentucky State Police Sgt. Brent White said.
White and Wilkins both described the terrain she walked through as heavily wooded with thick brush. White said the girl traversed two embankments, a hill and a creek bed. Wilkins said the temperatures were below 40 degrees when the girl showed up at his door.
"She literally fell out of the sky into a dark hole and didn't have anybody but her own will to live and get help for her family," White said. "Absolutely amazing."
In Nashville, a man stepped outside the family's white, split-level home on Saturday and politely waved off a reporter.
"Not now," he said, his head lowered, before he stepped back inside.
Marty ran the furniture store that his father started, and the couple was well-known and well-liked, said neighbor Carla Povolish.
With two basketball hoops in the driveway, the Gutzlers' home was the center of neighborhood fun on a block full of children.
"All the kids in the neighborhood are just so upset about this," she said.
Povolish said the two sisters — Sailor and Piper — were together constantly.
"That's what's going to be so devastating for the little one," she said.
- Original article can be found at: http://www.register-news.com
Cincinnati News, FOX19-WXIX TV
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, January 02, 2015 in Kuttawa, KY
Aircraft: PIPER PA 34-200T, registration: N81291
Injuries: 4 Fatal, 1 Serious.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On January 2, 2015, about 1800 central standard time, a Piper PA-34-200T, N81291, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain during a forced landing near Kuttawa, Kentucky. The commercial pilot, and three passengers were fatally injured, and another passenger was seriously injured. Night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the personal flight which was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight departed Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH), Tallahassee, Florida, around 1600 eastern standard time, with the intended destination of Mount Vernon Airport (MVN), Mount Vernon, Illinois.
Preliminary information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that at 1750, the pilot contacted air traffic control and requested vectors to the nearest airport in visual flight rules (VFR) weather conditions due to "problems" with both engines. The controller advised him that Kentucky Dam State (M34) was 11 miles west of his position. The pilot announced he had the airport in sight, and that the airplane's right engine had stopped producing power. The controller then cleared the airplane for a visual approach. The pilot acknowledged the clearance, advised that he had lost sight of the airport, and asked for the airport common traffic advisory frequency. There were no further radio communications from the airplane.
At 1755, after several attempts to contact the airplane, the controller advised that radar contact was lost. The airplane was last observed descending through 2,700 feet approximately 10 miles west of M34.
According to FAA records, the pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane. In addition, the pilot held a flight instructor certificate for airplane single engine, multiengine, and instrument airplane. His most recent third-class medical certificate was issued on February 4, 2014. On that date, the pilot reported 2,300 hours of total flight experience, of which, 50 hours were in the previous six months.
According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in 1979 and was registered to a corporation on October 29, 2012. It was equipped with two Continental Motors Inc. TSIO-360-series, 210- horsepower engines, with two 2-bladed Hartzell controllable pitch propellers. The most recent annual inspection was performed on March 16, 2014, and at 7573.4 total aircraft hours.
The airplane came to rest inverted with the landing gear retracted, and was examined at the accident site on January 4, 2015. There was a strong odor of fuel, and all major components of the airplane were accounted for at the scene. The wreckage path was oriented 228 degrees, was approximately 300 feet in length, at 480 feet elevation.
The fuselage and empennage were largely intact, but heavily damaged by impact. The right outboard fuel tank was destroyed by impact and displayed evidence of a small post-crash fire. Flight control continuity was confirmed from all flight control surfaces to the cockpit through tensile overload breaks and cuts made by recovery personnel. Examination of the cockpit and cabin areas revealed that both control yokes were attached to their respective columns and that the throttle, mixture, and propeller levers were intact in the throttle quadrant, and in the full forward position.
The seats were anchored in their mounts, the seatbelts were buckled, and all were cut by rescue personnel with one exception. The forward-facing right aft seat belt was intact and unbuckled.
The left engine was separated from all engine mounts but remained attached to the left wing through wires and cables. The left engine turbocharger was removed from the engine and examined. Rotational scoring was noted on the interior of the turbocharger near the turbine vanes. The left propeller was separated from the left engine and was in the vicinity of the main wreckage. The propeller blades exhibited a slight s-bend on one blade and the other exhibited chordwise scratching. The spinner was impact damaged.
The right engine remained attached to all engine mounts and was attached to the right wing. The engine cowl was removed to facilitate further examination. All major engine components remained attached to the engine. The right propeller was separated from the right engine and was located forward of and in the vicinity of the right engine. The right propeller spinner exhibited impact damage and both propeller blades were bent in the aft direction.
The airplane was recovered from the site, and fuel was noted draining from the ruptured fuel tanks. A detailed examination of the airplane was conducted in Springfield, Tennessee, on January 5, 2015. The right engine was removed from its nacelle, and prepared for shipment and examination at a later date.
A Garmin 696 GPS, a Garmin 496 GPS, and an iPhone were also retained for examination at a later date.
According to Lockheed-Martin Flight Service, they did not provide any type of services to the pilot on the day of the accident. However, the pilot filed his IFR flight plan around 1540 eastern standard time with an online commercial vendor prior to departure, but there was no evidence that a weather briefing was obtained at that time.
A preliminary examination of weather data by an NTSB Senior meteorologist revealed a forecast of IFR conditions along the entire route of flight. In addition, Airman's Meteorological Information (AIRMET) advisories for IFR, icing, and mountain obscuration conditions were in effect around the time of the accident.
At 1753, the weather conditions reported at Barkley Regional Airport (PAH), an airport approximately 29 miles west of the accident location, indicated wind from 060 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 6 statute miles in mist, ceiling overcast at 600 feet above ground level (agl), temperature and dew point 3 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 30.22 inches of mercury. Remarks indicated that the automated observation system noted rain began at 1725 and ended at 1747.
========================
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now investigating a Western Kentucky plane crash that killed four family members, leaving a sole 7-year-old survivor.
A distress call was made by pilot Marty Gutzler from the Piper-Seneca twin engine aircraft just after 5:30 p.m. Friday to the Memphis Traffic Control Center according to Officer Brent White with the Kentucky State Police.
The plane was told to deviate from it's original flight path from Key West, Florida to Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
The plane crashed shortly after in a forest near the Kentucky Dam State Airport.
“I think the primary thing they would be concerned with at this point is the condition of the aircraft," Dr. Jose Ruiz with the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) Flight School said.
Ruiz has more than 20 years experience in flight safety. He's now the chair of the department of Aviation Management and Flight at SIUC.
He explains that there are many factors the NTSB will consider during their investigation.
“I believe the weather, perhaps in concert with engine problems, perhaps the pilot was feeling overwhelmed, could have led to some poor decision making," Ruiz said.
Weather conditions, visibility, mechanical failure, and split second decisions all could have played a role in this tragic crash.
“We have such sophisticated aircraft that we typically don't suffer catastrophic mechanical failure, however, if we do have issues with the aircraft coupled with poor decision making, it could result in this sort of tragedy," Ruiz said.
The NTSB announced that it will release preliminary results of the investigation in the next 10 days, but said it may take up to a year for the full investigation results.
http://www.kfvs12.com
Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II, N81291A Key West Police Department report filed December 27th, says Gerald Martin Gutzler Jr. and Kim Gutzler arrived in Florida to find a home they had rented for their stay was occupied and not a rental property.
The Gutzlers showed police documentation to prove they had prepaid with Vacation Homes LLC of Key West.
The occupants of the home said this is not the first time they’ve had to turn away unsuspecting renters.
Key West Police say the address given for Vacation Homes LLC is actually a doctor’s office.
Marty & Kim Gutzler died when their plane crashed January 2nd east of Paducah, Kentucky. So did their nine-year-old daughter Piper and 14-year-old relative Sierra Wilder. Their other daughter, 7-year-old Sailor, survived.
Story and Comments: http://stlouis.cbslocal.com
Kentucky State Police Lt. Brent White, NTSB investigator Heidi Moats and another NTSB official at Sunday's news conference
The Gutzler Family
(Source: Sailor Gutzler fund website)
LYON COUNTY, KY (KFVS) - Members of the National Transportation Safety Board are on the site of the deadly plane crash in Lyon County, Ky. Sunday morning. A fund has been set up by the family of the 7-year-old survivor.
The crash killed two adults and two children Friday night. A 7-year-old girl survived.
A web fund has been set up for Sailor Gutzler according to the family's attorney.
"Your generous donation will help Sailor obtain the emotional, physical and educational support she will need in the years to come. Thank you in advance for your cooperation," according to the website.
Kentucky State Police say NTSB crews expect to begin extricating the plane in pieces.
The NTSB did not arrive at the scene of the deadly plane crash in Lyon County until Sunday morning due to flight delays and other logistical concerns.
The NTSB says it will have preliminary report in 10 days. The full report and findings could take over a year.
NTSB investigator Heidi Moats says salvage crews have arrived.
Once the scene is clear, the plane will be taken to site in Tennessee for examination of engine and frame.
When asked how remarkable it is that the 7-year-old girl survived, Moats says "she's one remarkable young lady."
Kentucky State Police says investigators on the scene of a plane crash confirm four people are dead at the crash site. A 7-year-old girl walked away from the crash site to find help.
Members of the FAA were at the site of the deadly plane crash in Lyon County on Saturday.
Kentucky State Police say they are remaining at the scene in a security capacity.
Officials have indicated a minimum of two days to conduct an investigation at the scene. Inclement weather hampered progress on Saturday.
Police have released the names of the victims.
Marty Gutzler, 48, the father; Kimberly Gutzler, 45, the mother; Piper Gutzler, 9, daughter; and Sierra Wilder, 14, cousin of Piper Gutzler.
The Gutzler family and Wilder were all from Nashville, Illinois.
The 7-year-old survivor of the crash was released from Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Ky. just after 1 a.m.
Attorney Kent L. Plotner, released this statement on Saturday on behalf of the family:
"The Gutzler family mourns the loss of Marty, Kim and Piper Gutzler and Sierra Wilder. We are devastated by this loss, but are confident that they rest in God's loving arms. We ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time. Please pray for us, especially for Sailor Gutzler."The bodies of those killed were taken to Louisville for autopsies.
Police say the wreckage of a small plane was found in a wooded area off of Buckberry Trail, which runs off of KY 810 South in the Suwanee community of Lyon County.
Suwanee is located along U.S. 62, about five miles west of Eddyville.
According to police, the deaths account for the pilot and remaining passengers.
Kentucky EMA Regional Manager Mark Garland said there was one survivor, a young girl who managed to get out of the plane and find her way out of the wooded area to a house where she asked for help. He said the homeowner then alerted local officials to the crash site.
KSP says a caller reported they saw a plane go down around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.
KSP says a caller told them that a 7-year-old girl had walked to his home saying that she had been involved in a plane crash.
Police say the child was in distress and was taken to a hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Police say the FAA Memphis Center confirmed a distress call from a private aircraft near the area of the reported crash.
The FAA says a Piper PA-34-200T aircraft crashed 7 miles east of the Kentucky Dam State Airport, about 30 miles east of Paducah.
The plane is described as a fixed wing, multiple engine aircraft.
The FAA says air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft as it was flying over Marshall County around 6:55 p.m. on Friday.
They say they lost contact shortly after the pilot reported engine problems.
According to police, the plane had left Key West, Florida earlier on Friday with a destination of Mt. Vernon, Ill.
Lyon County officials have set up a staging area for emergency equipment along KY 810, about one mile north of U.S. 62 at Suwanee to help their response to the crash site.
The public is asked to avoid the area so as not to impede emergency equipment and personnel.
Traffic along KY 810 was down to one lane in the area to allow nearby residents access to their homes.
This is a similar picture of what the plane looks like from the Piper website.
“I've got an 8-year-old child myself, that just turned 8-years-old. And when I saw this [what] appeared to be a 7-year-old child that walked through this dense Forrest," Lieutenant Brent White with the Kentucky State Police said. "Through some really tough terrain. Awful poor weather conditions – and survive this, it's just really a miracle."
Kentucky State Police Lt. White says that first responders " worked tirelessly to find this wreckage and hopefully salvage the lives of those that were on board. But, ultimately, it just wasn't meant to be."
According to CNN, Even with the plane upside down, the 7-year-old made it out, trekked three-quarters of a mile in the dark through what Wilkins described as "very, very rough territory" mired with fallen trees, creeks, ditches and blackberry briars.
Larry Wilkins went to his door. He opened it to see a young girl - her lips quivering, her nose bloodied, her arms and legs scratched up.
CNN reports the girl was barefoot except for one sock and was dressed for Florida -shorts, no coat - not for slogging through the January cold of Kentucky. Wilkins got her on his couch and called 911, alerting authorities that a plane had gone down and there was at least one survivor.
The Rev. Matthew Wietfeldt, from Nashville's Trinity Lutheran Church, said those killed, who he's known for four years "will be deeply missed."
"The Gutzlers were a wonderful family and wonderful members of our congregation and community," Wietfeldt said, according to CNN.
Heartland News talked to Troy Dunbar, a Gutzler employee and friend of family for more than 20 years. He said that Marty had been flying since he was 16 years old. He says Gutzler loved everything about aviation. He said Gutzler had flown the route to Key West in that very plane several times, and was a good pilot.
Dunbar says Marty and Kim Gutzler had two daughters together.
The employee says Kim's son was in the military and stationed in Key West. The family was coming back from visiting for the holidays.
Marty Gutzler and his Dad, Jerry, owned the furniture store together.
Marty was described as being very involved in daughters lives. He coached youth softball and soccer.
KSP would like to thank all the agencies and personnel who assisted with the plane crash incident in Lyons County.
Campagna Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for those killed.
Agencies taking part in this incident include: Kentucky State Police, Lyon County Sheriff's Office, Eddyville Police Department, Kuttawa Fire Department, Eddyville Fire Department, Aurora-Ross Fire Department, Lyon County Rescue, Marshall County Rescue, Lyon County EMS, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Lyon County Emergency Management, Marshall County Emergency Management and Lyon County Coroner's Office.
January 2, 2015
Marty Gutzler age 49, his wife Kimberly age 45 and their daughter Piper age 9 all of Nashville, IL, departed this life on Friday, January 2, 2015 due to an aviation accident near Eddyville, KY.
Arrangements are pending at the Campagna Funeral Home in Nashville, IL.
Source: http://www.campagnafuneralhomes.com
The crash killed two adults and two children Friday night. A 7-year-old girl survived.
Kentucky State Police say NTSB crews expect to begin extricating the plane in pieces.
An 11 a.m. news conference is set to release more details.
The NTSB did not arrive at the scene of the deadly plane crash in Lyon County until Sunday morning due to flight delays and other logistical concerns.
The press conference will be held at 309 Lee S. Jones Park Road in Eddyville. Lee S. Jones Park is located off of 93 South near Eddyville, Ky. NTSB and Lyon Co Emergency Management will be present along with FAA Officials.
Kentucky State Police says investigators on the scene of a plane crash confirm four people are dead at the crash site. A 7-year-old girl walked away from the crash site to find help.
Members of the FAA were at the site of the deadly plane crash in Lyon County on Saturday.
Kentucky State Police say they are remaining at the scene in a security capacity.
Officials have indicated a minimum of two days to conduct an investigation at the scene. Inclement weather hampered progress on Saturday.
Police have released the names of the victims.
Marty Gutzler, 48, the father; Kimberly Gutzler, 45, the mother; Piper Gutzler, 9, daughter; and Sierra Wilder, 14, cousin of Piper Gutzler.
The Gutzler family and Wilder were all from Nashville, Illinois.
The 7-year-old survivor of the crash was released from Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Ky. just after 1 a.m.
Attorney Kent L. Plotner, released this statement on Saturday on behalf of the family:
"The Gutzler family mourns the loss of Marty, Kim and Piper Gutzler and Sierra Wilder. We are devastated by this loss, but are confident that they rest in God's loving arms. We ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time. Please pray for us, especially for Sailor Gutzler."
The bodies will be taken to Louisville for autopsies.
Police say the wreckage of a small plane was found in a wooded area off of Buckberry Trail, which runs off of KY 810 South in the Suwanee community of Lyon County.
Suwanee is located along U.S. 62, about five miles west of Eddyville.
According to police, the deaths account for the pilot and remaining passengers.
Kentucky EMA Regional Manager Mark Garland said there was one survivor, a young girl who managed to get out of the plane and find her way out of the wooded area to a house where she asked for help. He said the homeowner then alerted local officials to the crash site.
KSP says a caller reported they saw a plane go down around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.
KSP says a caller told them that a 7-year-old girl had walked to his home saying that she had been involved in a plane crash.
Police say the child was in distress and was taken to a hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Police say the FAA Memphis Center confirmed a distress call from a private aircraft near the area of the reported crash.
The FAA says a Piper PA-34-200T aircraft crashed 7 miles east of the Kentucky Dam State Airport, about 30 miles east of Paducah.
The plane is described as a fixed wing, multiple engine aircraft.
The FAA says air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft as it was flying over Marshall County around 6:55 p.m. on Friday.
They say they lost contact shortly after the pilot reported engine problems.
According to police, the plane had left Key West, Florida earlier on Friday with a destination of Mt. Vernon, Ill.
Lyon County officials have set up a staging area for emergency equipment along KY 810, about one mile north of U.S. 62 at Suwanee to help their response to the crash site.
The public is asked to avoid the area so as not to impede emergency equipment and personnel.
Traffic along KY 810 was down to one lane in the area to allow nearby residents access to their homes.
This is a similar picture of what the plane looks like from the Piper website.
“I've got an 8-year-old child myself, that just turned 8-years-old. And when I saw this [what] appeared to be a 7-year-old child that walked through this dense Forrest," Lieutenant Brent White with the Kentucky State Police said. "Through some really tough terrain. Awful poor weather conditions – and survive this, it's just really a miracle."
Kentucky State Police Lt. White says that first responders " worked tirelessly to find this wreckage and hopefully salvage the lives of those that were on board. But, ultimately, it just wasn't meant to be."
According to CNN, Even with the plane upside down, the 7-year-old made it out, trekked three-quarters of a mile in the dark through what Wilkins described as "very, very rough territory" mired with fallen trees, creeks, ditches and blackberry briars.
Larry Wilkins went to his door. He opened it to see a young girl - her lips quivering, her nose bloodied, her arms and legs scratched up.
CNN reports the girl was barefoot except for one sock and was dressed for Florida -shorts, no coat - not for slogging through the January cold of Kentucky. Wilkins got her on his couch and called 911, alerting authorities that a plane had gone down and there was at least one survivor.
The Rev. Matthew Wietfeldt, from Nashville's Trinity Lutheran Church, said those killed, who he's known for four years "will be deeply missed."
"The Gutzlers were a wonderful family and wonderful members of our congregation and community," Wietfeldt said, according to CNN.
Heartland News talked to Troy Dunbar, a Gutzler employee and friend of family for more than 20 years. He said that Marty had been flying since he was 16 years old. He says Gutzler loved everything about aviation. He said Gutzler had flown the route to Key West in that very plane several times, and was a good pilot.
Dunbar says Marty and Kim Gutzler had two daughters together.
The employee says Kim's son was in the military and stationed in Key West. The family was coming back from visiting for the holidays.
Marty Gutzler and his Dad, Jerry, owned the furniture store together.
Marty was described as being very involved in daughters lives. He coached youth softball and soccer.
KSP would like to thank all the agencies and personnel who assisted with the plane crash incident in Lyons County.
Agencies taking part in this incident include: Kentucky State Police, Lyon County Sheriff's Office, Eddyville Police Department, Kuttawa Fire Department, Eddyville Fire Department, Aurora-Ross Fire Department, Lyon County Rescue, Marshall County Rescue, Lyon County EMS, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Lyon County Emergency Management, Marshall County Emergency Management and Lyon County Coroner's Office.
http://www.kfvs12.com
Larry
Wilkins retells the story of how his dogs, Bonnie and Pete (left),
alerted him to a noise on his front porch, where he would meet the
seven-year-old sole survivor of a airplane crash. 
Marty
and Kim Gutzler with their two daughters, Piper and Sailor, at the
family's furniture store in Nashville. The couple and their older
daughter, Piper, were victims of a fatal plane crash Friday night which
left their 7-year-old as the lone survivor.NASHVILLE — An attorney serving as a spokesman for the Gutzler family of Nashville has released a statement the family is devastated by the loss of three family members during a plane crash in Kuttawa, Kentucky.
Attorney Kent Plotner, who was serving as family spokesman, said the Gutzler family was devastated by the loss.
"We ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time," the information from attorney Kent Plotner states. "Please pray for us, especially for Sailor Gutzler," the family said in a statement.
Seven-year-old Sailor Gutzler is the only survivor of the crash, which killed her parents, 48-year-old Marty Gutzler and 46-year-old Kimberly Gutzler as well as her sister, 9-year-old Piper Gutzler and her cousin, Sierra Wilder, 14. Bodies of the victims are in Louisville, Ky., for autopsy.
Sailor Gutzler has been released to family after being treated at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Ky., according to the Kentucky State Police.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane took off from Tallahassee Regional Airport in Florida, bound for Mt. Vernon Outland Airport.
The family had been celebrating the new year in Key West, Fla., and were returning to their home in Nashville. The plane reported engine trouble just before 6 p.m. on Friday, and air traffic controllers attempted to direct the Piper PA-34 to a nearby airport. About 40 minutes later, emergency personnel received the call the plane had crashed and there was a single survivor.
According to the Associated Press, Sailor Gutzler walked through woods and thick briar patches, wearing only a short-sleeve shirt, shorts and no shoes in near-freezing temperatures when she saw a light in the distance.
The beacon led her to Larry Wilkins' home, police said, and she knocked on the door. Wilkins answered to find a thin, black-haired girl, whimpering and trembling.
"I come to the door and there's a little girl, 7 years old, bloody nose, bloody arms, bloody legs, one sock, no shoes, crying," Wilkins, 71, told The Associated Press on Saturday. "She told me that her mom and dad were dead, and she had been in a plane crash, and the plane was upside down."
Wilkins told the AP he brought the girl inside, got a washcloth and "washed her little face off and her legs."
"Brave little girl, outstanding little girl," he said. "I feel real bad for her."
The girl had a broken wrist, but was coherent and calm when interviewed by authorities, Kentucky State Police Sgt. Brent White said.
White and Wilkins both described the terrain she walked through as heavily wooded with thick brush. White said the girl traversed two embankments, a hill and a creek bed. Wilkins said the temperatures were below 40 degrees when the girl showed up at his door.
"She literally fell out of the sky into a dark hole and didn't have anybody but her own will to live and get help for her family," White said. "Absolutely amazing."
In Nashville, a man stepped outside the family's white, split-level home on Saturday and politely waved off a reporter.
"Not now," he said, his head lowered, before he stepped back inside.
Marty ran the furniture store that his father started, and the couple was well-known and well-liked, said neighbor Carla Povolish.
With two basketball hoops in the driveway, the Gutzlers' home was the center of neighborhood fun on a block full of children.
"All the kids in the neighborhood are just so upset about this," she said.
Povolish said the two sisters — Sailor and Piper — were together constantly.
"That's what's going to be so devastating for the little one," she said.
- Original article can be found at: http://www.register-news.com
Larry Wilkins made the 911 call after the girl made it to his home
(Source: Giacomo Luca, KFVS)
