A small aircraft with 20 individuals on board, including several skydivers, crashed on Sunday in Coffee County, Tennessee. Despite the potential for tragedy, there were no fatalities in this incident.
The crash took place shortly after midday, at approximately 12:45 p.m., as the plane was taking off from Tullahoma Regional Airport, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) specified that the aircraft was a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, a model frequently used for skydiving operations.
Among those on the aircraft were 20 people, including the crew. The impact generated tense moments and prompted a response from emergency services across the region. Three passengers with more severe injuries were airlifted to hospitals, while another was taken by ambulance. The remaining passengers received medical attention on site for minor injuries, as per Lyle Russell, a spokesperson for the city of Tullahoma.
Authorities confirmed that there were no fatalities and that the airport facilities and nearby buildings remained undamaged. Although the cause of the crash is still under investigation, many consider it a miracle that all aboard survived.
The crash site remains active, with local authorities and the FAA conducting an ongoing investigation to determine what led to the aircraft's fall shortly after takeoff. This incident adds to a series of small aircraft crashes in the United States this year.
In April, a Cessna 310 crashed into a car at the intersection of Military Trail and Glades Road in Boca Raton, Florida, resulting in the deaths of three passengers on the plane. Just days later, a single-engine Cessna 180 collided with power lines in Coles County, Illinois, killing four people from Menomonie, Wisconsin. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA launched investigations into these incidents.
Another crash involved a Cessna Citation II private jet that went down in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego in late May, claiming several lives. The crash occurred in dense fog, which may have been a contributing factor. The impact sparked fires affecting at least 15 homes and multiple vehicles, necessitating the evacuation of around 100 residents.
FAQs on Recent Small Aircraft Crashes in the U.S.
What type of aircraft was involved in the Tennessee crash?
The aircraft was a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, commonly used for skydiving operations.
Were there any fatalities in the Tennessee crash?
No, there were no fatalities reported in the Tennessee crash.
How many people were injured in the Tennessee incident?
Three individuals sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to hospitals, while others were treated for minor injuries at the scene.
What previous small aircraft incidents occurred in 2023 in the U.S.?
Earlier in 2023, a Cessna 310 crashed in Boca Raton, Florida, and a Cessna 180 collided with power lines in Illinois, resulting in fatalities. Additionally, a Cessna Citation II crashed in San Diego.