Police: Cash, drugs found on plane stolen out of Rowan Co. after deadly crash

HENDERSON, Ky. — 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 last week at the Henderson City County Airport.

[ALSO READ: Laser pointed at plane approaching Charlotte-Douglas for second time in 4 days]

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it was stolen from the Mid-Carolina Regional Airport. Investigators said the plane’s owner is from Mocksville.

>>Channel 9's Tina Terry is working to learn more about the two men and what led up to the plane's disappearance on Eyewitness News at 5. 

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.

[ALSO READ: Pilot dead after small plane crashes into building in Florida]

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.

Associated Press