NTSB Reveals What Caused 2024 Plane Crash That Killed Three Members of The Nelons
NTSB Reveals What Caused 2024 Plane Crash That Killed Three Members of The Nelons
WYOMING — More than two years after a plane crash claimed the lives of three members of the Grammy-nominated gospel group The Nelons, investigators have revealed what led to the tragedy.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board’s final findings, the July 2024 crash was caused by a combination of adverse weather conditions and pilot distraction.
A Tragedy That Shook a Gospel Music Family
The crash killed Nelons members Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Nelon Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler.
Also killed were Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, family assistant Melodi Hodges, pilot Larry Haynie, and Haynie’s wife, Melissa. The group was traveling to Alaska to perform as part of the Gaither Homecoming Cruise.
Kelly and Jason were longtime figures in gospel music, while Amber had become part of the next generation of the family’s musical legacy.
How the Crash Happened
Investigators determined that the aircraft encountered convective weather activity, including an updraft. The resulting conditions caused the aircraft’s autopilot to disengage.
The pilot then became distracted while attempting to manage the situation, and the plane ultimately lost control before crashing in Wyoming.
The findings bring an official explanation to a tragedy that had remained a painful unanswered question for the family and the gospel music community.
Autumn Nelon Carries On
Kelly’s younger daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, was not aboard the aircraft and survived the tragedy.
Since losing her family, Autumn has worked to continue The Nelons’ musical legacy while raising her own young family. She recently released “I’ll Find You,” a deeply personal song inspired by her grief and faith, and has said she intends to continue making music in honor of those she lost.
The Nelons were founded in 1977 by Autumn’s grandfather, Rex Nelon, and became one of the best-known family groups in gospel music.
For Autumn, the legacy is now more than music — it is a way of keeping the memory of her mother, sister and the rest of her family alive.
