Pilot in plane crash local resident, retired Air Force officer

Life Flight lands in response to single-engine plane crashed into Frog Hollow Wash after taking off at Hurricane Municipal Airport, Hurricane, Utah, July 3, 2013 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Maj. John “Jack” Spey's RV-4 aircraft, parked at the St. George Municipal Airport, St. George, Utah, Feb. 2008 | Photo courtesy of www.gTarded.com
Maj. John “Jack” Spey’s RV-4 aircraft, parked at the St. George Municipal Airport, St. George, Utah, Feb. 2008 | Photo courtesy of www.gTarded.com

HURRICANEThe man involved in a plane crash in Hurricane Wednesday has been confirmed to be a local resident and a retired U.S. Air Force officer.

Terry Draper, communications director for Dixie Regional Medical Center, confirmed Thursday that Maj. John “Jack” Spey, 74, who has associated addresses in Apple Valley and Hurricane, was the man transported by Life Flight to DRMC Wednesday. Spey is listed in serious condition and will be transported to University Medical Center in Las Vegas for additional care. Draper did not know the extent of Spey’s injuries.

Hurricane Police Chief Lynn Excell said the plane crash occurred when Spey was taking off from the Hurricane Municipal Airport around 4:45 p.m. While leaving the runway, Spey’s plane – a Boson Charles P RV-4, single-engine aircraft – lost altitude for reasons presently unknown, Excell said, and crashed in Frog Hollow Wash not far from the airport.

The Hurricane Police, Hurricane Fire and Rescue and Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Life Flight was called to the scene soon after and took Spey to DRMC around 6 p.m.

Spey is a Vietnam War veteran who has spoken with media before, particularly concerning claims other veterans have made concerning the effects of Agent Orange.

The Federal Aviation Administration was contracted and will be investigating the accident, Excell said.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @MoriKessler

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2013, all rights reserved.

Life Flight lands in response to single-engine plane crashed into Frog Hollow Wash after taking off at Hurricane Municipal Airport, Hurricane, Utah, July 3, 2013 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News
Life Flight lands in response to single-engine plane crashed into Frog Hollow Wash after taking off at Hurricane Municipal Airport, Hurricane, Utah, July 3, 2013 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

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3 Comments

  • My Evil Twin July 5, 2013 at 2:39 pm

    Prayers to Mr. Spey and his family! And thank you to SG News for the update.

  • Zonkerb November 20, 2014 at 5:46 am

    Whaaaaaaaa Whaaaaaaaa

    • My Evil Twin November 20, 2014 at 7:54 am

      WhatsamattaU? You’re diaper need changing?

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