May 24, 2009 4 Killed in Fallon plane crash www.privateofficer.com
Fallon CA May 24 2009
A small twin-engine aircraft crashed just east of the Fallon Municipal Airport at approximately 7:30 on Friday evening, killing all four occupants.
Dead are Commander Luther H. Hook, III, the Executive Officer of Naval Air Station Fallon, and three of his daughters: Kaitlyn Elizabeth Hook, age 15, Rachel Katherine Hook, age 12, and Mackenzie Elena Hook , age 9.
Cdr. Hook had flown to Fresno, California on Friday afternoon to pick up his daughters, and was attempting to land his privately-owned Cessna Twin aircraft at the Fallon Municipal Airport at the time of the crash.
Churchill County Sherriff units, Fallon Police Department, Churchill County Fire Department and NAS Fallon Federal Fire vehicles responded to the scene. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) will conduct an inquiry into the cause of the accident.
Cdr. Hook was born in Havana, FL, and was a 1986 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He received his Wings of Gold after completing flight training in Beeville, TX in 1988. As a pilot flying the F/A-18 Hornet, Cdr. Hook flew from the decks of the USS Constellation (CV-64), the USS Independence (CV-62), the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-71), and the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). He served in number of strike fighter squadrons, including VFA-113, VFA-125, VFA-151, VFA-22, and as a Landing Signals Officer with Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11).
Since 2005, he has been stationed at NAS Fallon, serving first as the Operations Officer, and then as the Executive Officer. During his Naval Aviation career, he amassed over 2700 flight hours in the F/A-18.
His awards and decorations include the Air Medal with Combat V; the Meritorious Service Medal; the Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement Medals, as well as various other campaign and expeditionary medals.
Navy personnel are assisting the family in their time of loss. Memorial services will be announced when arrangements have been finalized.
Tags: Cdr. Hook killed in plane crash, Commander Luther H. Hook, Fallon CA, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Hook, Mackenzie Elena Hook, Rachel Katherine Hook
- 4 comments
- Posted under police
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OS2(SW/AW) Phung
said
LCDR Hook was known as “Meat” He was a good man. I met him when I was stationed on the USS Kitty Hawk CV63. I never met a man with such a desire to fly. He knew what he was doing in and out when it came to Fixed Wing Aircraft. This is such a sad day. LCDR Hook re-enlisted me on the Kitty Hawk. LCDR Hook was a good man and always will be.
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AG1 Armbruster (Ret)
said
Cmdr Hook (Meat) was one of the few officers that I would do anything for. A good person in and out of Uniform. Although only knowing him for a short while he made a lasting impression upon me that I will carry throughout my Life. His selfless leadership was above all his greatest asset. I didnt know him as well outside the military but the little I did was no different. A consumate professional who would go the extra mile for anyone. He cherished his career but even more his family. It is huge loss for both NAS Fallon as an outstanding officer but more so a tragedy to the community of Fallon where he resided as first a Father and husband and then a community leader. You will be missed. CMDR HOOK I salute you.
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Kaitlyn Scroogins
said
Kaitlyn Hook and Elizabeth Hook were two very sweet and kind girls. I went to school with them both and talked to them sometimes. I will miss them greatly.
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ali
said
excuse me kaitlyn scroogins kaitlyns middle name was elizebeth there no 2 diffrent girls