GRAVES COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE GIVES UPDATE ON FATAL PLANE CRASH:

From Graves County Sheriff's Office : November 09, 2026

Re: Updated information on Sunday plane crash.

The pilot of the L39 Albatros jet that crashed at approximately 2:08PM in a field near Spence Chapel Road and Ky Hwy 131, has been identified as 70 year old James Alan Michaels of Dousman, Wisconsin.

An autopsy has been scheduled for later today.

The jet has just taken off from the Mayfield Graves County Airport after refueling. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot communicated with his daughter who was also flying the same type of aircraft that he was experiencing an issue and needed to return to the airport. Shortly afterwards, the plane went down into a field. Sheriff deputies, and state police arrived within minutes and found the aircraft to be engulfed in flames.

The second plane piloted by 35 year old Tonie Michaels safely landed at the Mayfield Graves County airport after the crash.

She was later flown by an acquaintance back to Wisconsin later Sunday evening.

Both the FAA and the NTSB are expected to be on scene today to begin their investigations into this incident.

We would continue to ask everyone to stay away from the area so that the investigative work can continue.

The Graves County Sheriff’s Office were assisted at the scene by the Kentucky State Police, the Mayfield Graves County Fire and Rescue Squad, Mayfield Graves County Ambulance Service, the Graves County Coronets Office, and Graves County Emergency Management.

Thank you,

Sheriff Jon Hayden

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