Tuesday marks a somber anniversary in Lexington. 13-years ago, Comair Flight 51-91 crashed at take-off at Bluegrass Airport, killing 49 passengers and crew members. Only the co-pilot, James Polehinke survived.
Polehinke was at the controls when he steered the plane down the wrong runway, one that was too short for a plane of 51-91’s size to get off the ground.
Friends and families of those lost have been visiting the 51-91 memorial at UK’s Arboretum. It features 49 metal birds taking flight, one for each person who died 13-years ago. Inside each bird is a memento chosen by each of the victims’ families.