Sparks man killed in Sacramento crash

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000 | 2:55 a.m.

Second Officer Russell Hicks, 38, was a native of Sparks who attended Sparks High School in the 1970s. He was killed Wednesday in the crash of an Emery cargo plane along with Capt. Kevin Stables of Berlin, N.Y. and First Officer George Land of Placerville, Calif.

Hicks, who joined Emery a year and one-half ago, had been a pilot for 11 years, mostly with United Airlines. He was married on Jan. 8. His wife, Connie, told KRNV-TV the only consolation is that he died doing what he loved most - flying.

The plane left Reno Tahoe International Airport for Mather Field sometime between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., airport spokesman Adam Mayberry said. He said there was no sign of trouble in Reno.

"It was certainly business as usual here," Mayberry said Thursday.

The daily flight originates in Reno and travels to Mather before heading for Dayton, Ohio, Mayberry said.

"The airport authority's thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims, especially to one of our very own who was one of the pilots who resided in Sparks," he said.