10:06am: Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval

Wrecked cargo plane removed from Yeager Airport

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Parts of a cargo plane that crashed and killed two people last Friday at Charleston’s Yeager Airport have been removed by helicopter.

Crews with AMF Aviation began the removal process Tuesday morning.

The Short 330 cargo plane, owned by Air Cargo Carriers, was cut into about five or six pieces before each part was airlifted from the airport’s hillside. It took about an hour to complete.

“Considering where the aircraft wreckage was, it’s pretty remarkable that they’ve been able to get it out this quickly,” said Yeager spokesman Mike Plante.

The wreckage was placed on flat bed trucks and transported to AMF’s facility in Springfield, Tenn., where it will be further analyzed by investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board.

Friday’s crash claimed the lives of pilots Johnathan Pablo Alvarado, 47, from Stamford, Texas, and Anh K. Ho, 31, of Cross Lanes.

Tuesday’s removal did not impact air travel.

“The airport is safe,” Plante said. “We’re just eager to get back to normal airport operations. Our thoughts and feelings go out to the families of the two pilots.”

Yeager plans to make permanent repairs to its runway. Plante said they’re working with West Virginia Paving.

“There were two indentations where I assume the landing gear hit. Those were cold patched. As soon as the NTSB released the runway back to us with asphalt — that will be replaced with concrete as soon as possible,” Plante said.

Airport officials say an environmental company will remediate the crash site. West Virginia American Water Company is also monitoring the impact of any fuel that may have spilled into the nearby Elk River, but so far, no contamination has been detected.

It could be next year before the NTSB issues its final report into what caused the crash.





More News

News
MetroNews This Morning 3-29-24
Summary of West Virginia news, sports, and weather for Friday, March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024 - 6:24 am
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 29, 2024 - 1:23 am
News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm