Preliminary report released in fatal airplane crash in Monticello

MONTICELLO - The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report on a plane crash that killed a Scotch Grove man earlier this month.

Jerry Naylor, 90, was fatally injured when the plane he was piloting crashed into a cornfield near the Monticello Regional Airport at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 1. His plane was found about 50 yards away from the airport's runway, authorities said.

According to the NTSB Aviation Accident Preliminary Report, Naylor was piloting a Flight Design CTSW single-engine light sport airplane.

A witness - a pilot practicing takeoffs and landings - told investigators he saw the plane Naylor was piloting approach the airport from the east 'before entering a left downwind for runway 27.”

The witness told investigators he temporarily lost sight of Naylor's aircraft and when he next saw the plane, it had crashed into the cornfield next to the runway.

Winds were blowing at just under 15 mph less than an hour after the crash, according to the report.

David Naylor previously told The Gazette his father had been flying since 1945.

Jerry Naylor's dog suffered minor injuries in the crash, according to the NTSB.

Funeral services for Naylor took place July 8 at Community of Christ Church in Hiawatha.