By JAMES BELL

Hays Post

ELLIS COUNTY —A single-engine agricultural biplane crashed south of Hays Tuesday morning killing the pilot shortly after taking off from his private runway about a mile west of Schoenchen.

The pilot was identified as John Werth, 70, Schoenchen, who died in the crash according to Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Hileman.

“At about 9:15 a.m. he took off from his runway, on his farm,” Hileman said. “Not long after that, the plane crashed into a ditch about a mile north of the end of his runway.”

The crash is near the intersection of Smoky Hill River Rd. and 240th Ave.

Smoky Hill River Rd. will remain closed from 220th Ave. to 240th Ave. through Wednesday as the accident is investigated.

A KHP pilot will lead the crash investigation until the Federal Aviation Administration arrives to determine the cause of the crash, according to Hileman.

Deputies from the Ellis County Sherrif’s office and Ellis County EMS were also assisting at the scene.

The plane was identified as an Ag Cat 1985 bi-wing spray plane and was carrying chemicals for spraying at the time off take off.

The Ellis County Fire Department was on scene and was responsible for chemical cleanup, according to Hileman.

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ELLIS COUNTY —A small aircraft went down near the intersection of 240th Avenue and Smoky Hill River Road.

The pilot died in the crash. The county coroner is on scene.

The pilot’s name has not been released.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is working the scene with the assistance of Ellis County Sheriff and EMS.

Smoky Hill River Road is closed west of 240th.

Check the post for additional details as they become available.