Man Responsible For Fatal Helicopter Crash Near Cosby Pleads Guilty

The man who was flying a helicopter that crashed in the Cosby area nearly four years ago has now plead guilty to criminally negligent homicide. Matthew Jones, along with a passenger, took off in a helicopter from the Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport on December 29, 2021 during what were called poor flying conditions, which included fog. Airport staff had warned Jones multiple times about flying in those conditions. Eight minutes after the helicopter lifted off, Jones crashed into a wooded area just inside the Sevier Couny line near Cosby. The passenger inside the helicopter was killed in the crash and Jones himself suffered serious injuries.

An investigation into Jones led to charges against him in 2022 for flying an aircraft without a license. Court documents showed that he led customers who hired him to fly to believe he was a licensed pilot.

On Wednesday (11/12), Jones entered a guilty plea in Sevier County court. He will be sentenced at a later date. Criminally Negligent Homicide is a Class E Felony in Tennessee and can be punishable with up to six years in prison.