Emergency declared before fatal plane crash in Wyoming

In July, a plane crash in northeast Wyoming resulted in the tragic deaths of seven individuals, including three members of the renowned gospel group The Nelons. The aircraft had taken off from Nebraska and was en route to Billings, Montana, when the pilot declared an emergency due to a loss of autopilot control. This declaration was made to the Salt Lake City Air Route Traffic Control Center shortly before the plane went down approximately 12 miles northeast of Recluse, Wyoming. Witnesses reported hearing unusual noises and observing the plane performing a barrel roll before it crashed. The Federal Aviation Administration issued an alert after losing radar and radio contact with the aircraft. The plane was later discovered in a remote area, confirming the severity of the incident. Among the deceased were Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, along with Nathan Kistler, Melodi Hodges, and Larry and Melissa Haynie. The Nelons were preparing to participate in the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska, highlighting their active involvement in the gospel music community. The Nelons, who were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016, had received numerous accolades, including ten GMA Dove Awards. The preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board is expected to provide further insights into the causes of the crash, which has left a significant impact on the gospel music community and raised concerns about aviation safety.