A tragic plane crash in Georgia claimed the lives of a couple, James Hardee, 62, and Janet Hardee, 59, a local school teacher. The incident occurred late Saturday night near Covington Municipal Airport, approximately 40 miles from the heart of Atlanta. The couple was aboard a single-engine Rockwell Commander aircraft, which lost contact with air traffic control shortly after its 11 p.m. departure.
The Covington Police Department reported that the Hardees were the sole occupants of the plane. The aircraft crashed in a wooded area just north of the airport runway, and there was no further communication from the plane after takeoff. Upon locating the wreckage, officers found the couple and pronounced them dead at the scene.
The Newton County coroner later confirmed the identities of the victims. Janet Hardee was a beloved first-grade teacher at Putnam County Primary School. The school district expressed its grief over the loss of one of their educators and her husband in a statement. They acknowledged the sorrow and sadness felt by the community and extended their thoughts and prayers to the Hardee family.
The National Transit Safety Board has taken the lead in the investigation into the cause of the crash, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration. As of now, there are no clear indications as to what may have led to the fatal incident. The investigation will likely include an examination of the aircraft’s maintenance records, weather conditions, and the pilot’s health and experience.
The loss of the Hardees is a significant blow to their community, particularly for the students and staff at Putnam County Primary School. As the investigation continues, the community will undoubtedly seek answers and closure in this tragic event.