JACKSON, Ohio—A small plane crash in Jackson County on Saturday afternoon tragically claimed the lives of all three people on board, authorities confirmed. The aircraft, a single-engine Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six, went down in a field shortly after taking off from a local airport.
The fatal crash occurred just after 12:30 p.m. near the James A. Rhodes Airport, about four miles south of the city of Jackson.
Three Lives Lost in a Tragic Accident
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol were among the first responders on the scene. They found the wreckage of the plane on fire in a field just north of the airport, and the three victims were found deceased inside.
The victims were later identified as:
- Daniel T. Baker, 44, of Jackson (the pilot)
- Robert Daniel Baker, 78, of Lucasville (the pilot’s father)
- Zebulon D. Logan, 45, of Lucasville (a family friend)
Family members confirmed that the three men were on their way to Florida to pick up a vehicle that Mr. Logan had recently purchased.
Federal Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been notified and are on-site to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
According to preliminary reports, the plane took off from the airport but appeared to be attempting to return shortly after departure. Investigators will analyze the wreckage and flight data to determine what caused the aircraft to lose power or experience a malfunction so soon after becoming airborne.
The crash site, located in a field near Barton Road and Keystone Station Road, was closed for several hours as emergency crews worked to extinguish the fire and document the scene.
Conclusion
The tragic crash in Jackson County is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks of aviation. The loss of three lives on what was meant to be a simple trip to Florida has left the local community in mourning. As the NTSB and FAA begin their thorough investigation, the focus will be on understanding the events that led to the crash to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on information provided by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and other news outlets. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing and may reveal additional information. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, readers should refer to official statements from the NTSB or the FAA.
Official Website Link: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): https://www.ntsb.gov/
