Police: Cash, drugs found in plane crash that killed 2 NC men

HENDERSON, KY (AP) — Kentucky State Police say a plane that crashed killing two North Carolina men was carrying drugs and cash.

Authorities believe the plane was stolen or used without permission from the owner. The Bellanca Viking 17-30A crashed early Wednesday or Tuesday night at the Henderson City County Airport.

The Gleaner in Henderson reports police searched the wreckage and found a duffel bag with cash and suspected cocaine.

The crash killed 47-year-old Barry Hill and 48-year-old George Tucker, of Sanford, North Carolina.

State Trooper Corey King says investigators believe Tucker was piloting the plane and they were looking for a place to stop for fuel when it crashed. Tucker was a student pilot.

The plane’s owner told authorities he had previously let Tucker test the plane because Tucker was interested in buying it.