19 years later Central Kentucky remembers Flight 5191
The incident occurred on August 27, 2006
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - August 27th is a day that many in Central Kentucky will never forget. On this day, in 2006, 19 years ago, Flight 5191 crashed at the Bluegrass Airport.
Forty-seven passengers and two members died that day. The crash was a result of the pilot taking the wrong runway.
“I’ve been in broadcasting for 48 years and probably the most - not probably - it is the most important story as was part of as a reporter and as an anchor,” said Sam Dick, former longtime WKYT anchor.
Legendary newsman and former WKYT anchor Sam Dick has seen it all. As a journalist, he covered countless fires, shootings, and car crashes.
But Dick says the story of Flight 5191 was unlike any other. It struck a nerve in him that he has not since forgotten.
“Right now, it takes me back. It shakes me a little bit. It was a heartbreaking day in so many way,” said Dick.
Dick recounts that he went live on air that Sunday morning knowing little information. And he says as the day progressed, the worse the situation became. The longtime journalist shares that he kept it cool until seeing his wife and daughter walk into the studio to see him.
“That could’ve been us. That could’ve been us sitting in on that plan in six o’clock in the morning on a Sunday,” said Dick.
Gerry Vandermeer’s life has also been shaped by Flight 5191. In 2006, Vandermeer managed the hotel that was a hub for first responders and families. Since then, he helped create the 5191 Memorial at the UK Arboretum.
“It’s the perfect place and I can’t say enough about the board at that time who agreed wholeheartedly to have this beautiful memorial,” said Vandermeer.
Vandermeer shares that the survivor’s memories live on through the statue. Each bird represents someone who died that day, and each bird contains a personal possession.
“We never know when our lives maybe taken from us and to live them to the fullest,” said Vandermeer.
When WKYT’s crew visited the memorial on Wednesday, some people were there quietly paying their respects.
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