Crittenden County, Arkansas, September 15, 2025
News Summary
A small plane crash in Crittenden County, Arkansas resulted in the death of Malcolm โJayโ King, a 62-year-old from Hernando. The Cessna 172 went down shortly after takeoff, with King reporting chest pains prior to the incident. This marks the third plane crash in the Mid-South within a week, prompting an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Friends and family are mourning the loss of a generous individual as the aviation community reflects on safety protocols.
Memphis, Tennessee – A small plane crash in Crittenden County, Arkansas, on Tuesday morning has claimed the life of 62-year-old Malcolm โJayโ King from Hernando. The single-engine Cessna 172 went down at approximately 8:45 a.m., shortly after taking off from General DeWitt Spain Airport in Memphis. King was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
According to air traffic controllers, moments before the crash, King reported experiencing chest pains. He was flying eastbound when the plane went down between Dacus Lake and the Mississippi River, within Shelby County, Tennessee. The translation of this distress signal into a tragic accident has left family and friends mourning the loss of a well-regarded individual.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has commenced an investigation into the incident, which is part of a troubling trend in the past week, marking the third plane crash in the Mid-South area. Previous incidents included a crop duster and another plane accident in Lawrence County, which resulted in one fatality.
King’s fiancรฉe, Adrienne Grammer, has characterized him as an incredible man known for his generosity towards family and friends. Many tributes honoring his life and legacy have surfaced on social media, as the community copes with the sudden loss.
The Cessna 172 is a popular single-engine aircraft used widely for flight training and personal transport. Despite its reliability and widespread use, this tragic event exemplifies the inherently risky nature of aviation, particularly for light aircraft. The aviation community is now awaiting further details from the ongoing investigation by the NTSB, which will aim to determine the circumstances that led to this fatal crash.
This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance regarding aircraft safety protocols and health evaluations for pilots. Understanding the risks and maintaining awareness can help mitigate similar incidents in the future. Aviation experts often advise that regular medical evaluations can help detect serious health issues that might impair a pilot’s ability to function safely in flight.
In addition to the familial grief and community mourning, this crash serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and immediate reporting of health concerns while flying. As the investigation unfolds, more information is expected to shed light on the factors contributing to this tragedy.
FAQ
What caused the plane crash involving Malcolm King?
Malcolm King reported experiencing chest pains shortly before the crash. The exact cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the NTSB.
Where did the plane crash occur?
The crash occurred in Crittenden County, Arkansas, east of Dacus Lake and west of the Mississippi River, within Shelby County, Tennessee.
What type of aircraft was involved in the crash?
The aircraft involved was a single-engine Cessna 172, a commonly used plane for training and personal travel.
Was anyone else on board the plane?
No, Malcolm King was the only person on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.
How many plane crashes have occurred recently in the Mid-South region?
This incident marks the third plane crash in the Mid-South region within one week. The earlier incidents involved a crop duster and another plane in Lawrence County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5: 1 Dead in Plane Crash Near Dacus Lake
- Wikipedia: Plane Crash
- WREG: One Dead in Crittenden County Plane Crash
- Google Search: Aviation Safety
- Action News 5: New Report Finds Pilot Had Chest Pains Before Deadly Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation
- Memphis Flyer: Adrienne Grammer Takes to the Trailer Park for First Single
- Google News: Plane Crash
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
