Otis Redding, 26, Killed in Crash

A twin-engine plane, carrying Otis Redding and his Rhythm and Blues revue, plunged into an icy lake Sunday while approaching the Madison, Wise, airport.

One person survived the crash, but Redding and all four members of his troupe were still missing when police discontinued dragging operations because of darkness.

Since the early 1960's, the 26-year-old singer had made a long climb to the top of the Rhythm and Blues charts. He began his career as a janitor at Lanier Senior High School in Macon, Ga., his home town. To pick up a little spending money, "the Big O" sang gospel music at his church, and then for a local radio.

Later he made his first two big recordings for Soul Records: "Pain in My Heart," and "These Arms of Mine." With these two hits, and a lot of "pap-pap--pap" movements, Redding began touring the big Eastern stops.

His hits include "I've Been Loving You Too Long," "Security," "Mr. Pitiful," "Respect," and "Satisfaction."