On Aug.18, the agricultural aviation industry suffered
its seventh fatality of the 2018 season. Phillip Ching was fatally injured on
the evening of Aug.18. NAAA members and staff are deeply saddened by the
loss and extend their sympathies and condolences to his friends and family.
Phillip Percy Kwock-Wai Ching of Elsie, Mich., is survived
by his parents Radford and Cindy Ching, fiancée Mya Hall, brothers Robert Ching
and David Ching, grandparents Percy and Eleanor Ching, and numerous aunts and
uncles. Please keep them in your prayers as they grieve for their loss.
Ching, 26, was fatally injured when his AT-502B crashed in a
field due to unknown circumstances. The accident occurred just south of
Coldwater, Mich., which is about 100 miles southwest of Detroit. The NTSB is
investigating the accident. The aircraft was operated by Lutes Flying Service, based
in Shipshewana, Ind.
A memorial service for Ching will be held on Saturday,
Sept. 1, at 1 p.m. at the Owosso Community Airport in Owosso,
Mich. For those wishing to send flowers, please visit the Smith
Family Funeral Homes to make arrangements.