Two Christian Pilots Killed in Haiti Crash Were Heroes Who Gave Their Lives Serving Jesus

Two Agape Flights Pilots Killed in Haiti Crash Honored for Decades of Selfless Christian Service

Agape Flights, a Venice, Florida based Christian humanitarian aviation ministry, has paid tribute to two volunteer pilots who lost their lives when their cargo plane crashed in the mountains of Haiti on February 5, 2026.

The Embraer 110 Bandeirante, registration N316AF, went down near Jeremie while carrying critical aid supplies. Contact with the aircraft was lost on February 5, and the wreckage was located the following day. There were no survivors.

The pilots have been identified as Patrick Decker and Kory Elleby, both longtime volunteers with the organization.

Patrick Decker, a former United Airlines captain with 40 years of commercial aviation experience, had volunteered with Agape Flights for nine years. He was among the first pilots cleared to return to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport following the September 11 attacks. Beyond aviation, Decker served as a firefighter for 50 years and was named Fire Chief of Sparta, New Jersey in 1996. He is survived by his wife Kathy, to whom he was married for 40 years, and their two grown children.

Kory Elleby, who earned his pilot's license before his driver's license, had flown with Agape Flights for eight years. He and his wife Ruthie relocated from Illinois to Venice, Florida in 2016, where they co founded Sunshine Electrical Services, Inc. Elleby is survived by his wife, his mother, and two adult sons.

Both faithfully answered the call God placed on their lives and gave themselves fully to it. They served with humility, loved without reservation, and ran their race with perseverance.

Agape Flights released this statement honoring both men's unwavering dedication to serving others through missionary aviation in Haiti.

Agape Flights Mourns Volunteer Pilots Lost in Haitian Mountain Plane Crash

Decker was described as a man of quiet strength, humility, and consistent service to others. Elleby was remembered for his rare gift of making everyone around him feel valued and welcome.

The organization continues to operate humanitarian flights to Haiti and the Caribbean, delivering supplies to communities in need. The loss of these two devoted servants has deeply impacted the Agape Flights community and the broader missionary aviation world.

The Crusader's Opinion

These two men gave their lives doing what Christians are called to do: serving the least of these. Patrick Decker and Kory Elleby didn't fly for fame or fortune. They flew because God put Haiti on their hearts and they answered. While the world celebrates athletes and influencers, men like these quietly risk everything to deliver food and medicine to people the world has forgotten. Haiti is one of the most dangerous and neglected nations on earth, and yet these men kept going back, year after year, because that is what real faith looks like. Their sacrifice deserves to be remembered, honored, and continued.

Take Action

• Donate to Agape Flights to support continued humanitarian aviation to Haiti: www.agapeflights.com
• Pray for the Decker and Elleby families as they grieve the loss of their husbands and fathers
• Support The Shepherd's Shield, which funds Christian missions and persecution relief: www.TheShepherdsShield.org
• Share this story on social media to honor these men's sacrifice and raise awareness of missionary aviation
• Consider volunteering your professional skills with Christian humanitarian organizations serving Haiti and the Caribbean