WHITON-The pilot killed in Tuesday morning’s DeKalb County aircraft crash has been identified as 62-year-old Douglas “Doug” Emge of Whiton.

DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Posey confirmed the single-engine aircraft went down behind the Whiton water tank.

Meanwhile, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office earlier placed the scene near the 4700 block of County Road 3. Deputies and other emergency personnel responded to the area Tuesday morning.

However, officials have not released information about what caused the aircraft to crash.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the City of Albertville mourned Emge’s death and honored his decades of service to the local aviation community.

For more than 30 years, Emge operated Albertville Aviation, a company he founded and solely owned. He served as the fixed-base operator at Albertville Regional Airport.

Through the business, Emge assisted pilots, flight crews, and passengers with fuel, rental vehicles, lodging, on-site services, and local information.

In addition, the city credited Emge with helping create the welcoming atmosphere and strong reputation associated with Albertville Regional Airport. He worked alongside longtime friend and colleague Jeff Pate and the airport’s staff.

The city described Emge as a Marine veteran, a pilot who loved flying, and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Finally, city officials extended their condolences to Emge’s wife, Stacy, his family, the Albertville Regional Airport staff, and everyone who knew him.

“Doug has flown west on his final flight,” the city said, adding that his mark on the airport and the Sand Mountain region will not be forgotten.

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