LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Today marks the ninth anniversary of the tragic Comair flight 5191 crash at Blue Grass Airport on August 27, 2006.
The crash occurred following a mistake on the runway. Unaware, the pilot of flight 5191 prepared for take off on the wrong runway. The flight crashed because the runway was too short for takeoff.
In total, 49 people lost their lives. Many of the victims were residents of central Kentucky.
The only person to survive the crash was the co-pilot, Jim Polehinke.
To honor those who lost their lives, a memorial was built at the Arboretum on University of Kentucky's campus.
Remembering #5191. In this photo, memorial to Comair Flight 5191 victims is dedicated in Lexington, Aug. 27, 2011. pic.twitter.com/Sxx1NT5WXJ
— KY Photo Archive (@KYPhotoArchive) August 27, 2014Unusual Accidents - Comair Flight 5191 took off from the wrong runway which was too short. Killing 49 of 50. pic.twitter.com/TRtf1IXOhk
— Air Disasters (@AirCrashMayday) August 22, 2014