October 10, 2005
COOKEVILLE (WATE/AP) — Authorities have released the name of the pilot who died when a World War II vintage plane crashed near Cookeville Saturday.
An executive of Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, Calif., confirmed Monday the F6-F Hellcat fighter was being flown by Art Vance Jr., 64, of Sebastapol, Calif.
The 1944 warplane crashed in the median of Interstate 40 on Saturday as Vance was flying it from Sevierville to Little Rock, Ark., for an air show.
The plane had been part of the museum’s collection for about 40 years.
The Federal Aviation Administration is continuing its investigation, but right now authorities believe Vance was trying to make an emergency landing on I-40, but instead clipped power lines and crashed, bursting into flames. Here’s
The FAA says the pilot had not filed a flight plan because that type of plane would only fly at a low altitude.
Portions of this report copyright 2005, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
By: Steve T - 15th October 2005 at 01:44
That is absolutely horrible. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Mr Vance. Have read his name many times in a Warbird context but did not have the pleasure of meeting him. The Hellcat is a rare bird and a sad loss as well, but pales utterly in comparison.
Words don’t suffice.
S.
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October 15, 2005 at 12:42 am