The man killed in a plane crash in Harlan County on Thursday was a doctor traveling to see patients.
David Sanford, 55, of Knoxville, but who was originally from Middlesboro, was killed Thursday morning at approximately 10:00 when his Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft went down near Tucker-Guthrie Memorial Airport, about three miles northwest of Harlan.
Sanford, an ophthalmologist, was connected to Appalachian Regional Healthcare hospital in Middlesboro. He often flew to Harlan and Middlesboro to see patients, Harlan County Coroner Philip Bianchi told the Herald-Leader.
Sanford was the only person on the plane
Harlan County Judge-Executive Dan Mosley issued the following statement on the accident:
I am deeply saddened about the fatality that occurred as a result of a plane crash at the Tucker Guthrie Memorial Airport here in Harlan County Thursday morning. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the individual that was killed. This is a sad day in our community.
The Tucker Guthrie Memorial Airport has been open since the 1960s. This is the first fatality I am aware of ever occurring at this airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k015.com
