Wisconsin Pilot Dies in Kentucky Jet Crash

James Alan Michaels, a 70-year-old pilot from Dousman, Wisconsin, died when his L-39 Albatros jet crashed in a field near Mayfield, Kentucky, on November 8. His daughter, flying a separate jet, landed safely after the crash, authorities said.

Michaels and his 35-year-old daughter, Tonie Michaels, were returning from Mississippi after attending an air show. They stopped to refuel at Mayfield-Graves County Airport and took off in separate L-39 jets, according to the Graves County Sheriff’s Office.

After takeoff, Michaels reported trouble and told his daughter he intended to turn back to the airport, the sheriff’s office said. He later radioed that he would not be able to land. Authorities said he attempted to bring the aircraft down in an open field near Spence Chapel Road.

The jet struck a ditch, caught fire and rolled, according to the sheriff’s office. Michaels was the only person aboard and was pronounced dead at the scene. His daughter turned around, landed at the airport and later went to the crash site, the sheriff’s office said.

The crash was reported at about 2:08 p.m. by local authorities. The Federal Aviation Administration gave a time of about 2:25 p.m. local time. The...