NTSB releases preliminary report on Cessna crash in Kentucky

The NTSB released the preliminary report on Thursday on the Cessna 560XL (N476JL) that crashed into a snow bank at the Stuart Powell Field Airport (DVK) near Danville, Kentucky on Feb. 6, 2026. The aircraft occupants included a pilot, a copilot and two passengers. The flight was planned to go from DVK to the Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport (BWG) to pick up an additional passenger. It would then fly to the Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA). The report states that both the pilot and copilot performed the preflight walk-around inspection using the checklist. The weather at both airports was checked, the preflight paperwork was completed and the extra fuel was added for a projected takeoff weight of 18,000 lbs. The takeoff checklist included verifying and checking flight control position and movement while taxing to the runway. No anomalies were found where found during this test. However, when the pilot pulled on the yoke during the takeoff roll, the aircraft would not rotate and the landing gear remained on the runway. The pilot decided to abort takeoff and applied maximum braking while deploying the thrust reversers. RELATED STORIES: NTSB releases safety alert on ballistic parachute recovery systems Piper Saratoga narrowly misses 6 skydivers during freefall in Arizona NTSB releases final report on Potomac Midair Collision There was an insufficient amount left of the 5,000 ft runway and the 560XL crashed into a snow bank at the end of the runway. All three landing gear collapsed as the aircraft traveled an additional 450 ft. The main landing gear was forced up through the wings and caused significant damage to the aircraft, but no one was injured.