Lexington to mark 20 years since Comair Flight 5191 crash that claimed 49 lives

WUKY | By Karyn Czar

Published August 27, 2026 at 7:13 AM EDT

Blue Grass Airport director Michael Gobb wiped away tears after visiting a memorial for people to honor those who died in the Comair Flight 5191 earlier this week in Lexington, Ky., on Thursday, August 31, 2006. This was the first time Gobb had visited the memorial since it had been installed on Tuesday afternoon in a parking lot at the airport. David Stephenson/Staff

The regional jet crashed shortly after takeoff on Aug. 27, 2006, after the flight crew mistakenly attempted to depart from the wrong runway, one that was too short for takeoff. The first officer was the only survivor.

The city will hold a memorial service at 1 p.m. Thursday afternoon at The UK Arboretum, overlooking the Flight 5191 Memorial Sculpture.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and other local officials will attend the ceremony, which will honor the victims, their families and first responders.

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Karyn Czar

Karyn Czar has been a journalist with WUKY since 2013 and is currently the Assistant News Director. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky and brings more than 30 years of broadcast experience to NPR. Karyn's work has been recognized with numerous Associated Press, Kentucky Broadcaster Association, Public Media Journalist, and Edward R. Murrow awards throughout her career.

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