Recovery efforts begin for three people killed when their plane crashed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Photo courtesy of GSMNP.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK — Technical search and rescue teams and aircraft from the Tennessee Army National Guard began recovery operations of the three victims of a Cessna 182 fixed wing single engine aircraft which went down in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Monday, December 26. The park’s technical rescue team is being supported by experts from Big South Fork National Recreation Area, Obed National Scenic River, and Tennessee State Parks for assistance in securing the plane wreckage and extracting the victims from the steep and heavily wooded terrain via helicopter.

“The plane is positioned on a very steep mountain side and could be at risk of sliding further down into the drainage,” said Chief Ranger, Steve Kloster. “These search and rescue personnel specialize in high angle rescues and have the best knowledge in making sure we conduct our operations in the safest manner possible.”

The 3 occupants of the plane, David Starling, 41, Kim Smith, 42, and Hunter Starling, 8, were killed in the crash.

The plane was located by the Tennessee Army National Guard during an air reconnaissance mission on an unnamed ridge between Cole Creek and Bearpen Hollow Branch late Tuesday, December 27. The National Park Service will evaluate options for removal of the aircraft at a later date.