Tragedy struck Nashville on Monday night as a small plane crashed into the shoulder of Interstate 40, resulting in the death of all five passengers on board. The incident caused the partial closure of the highway as authorities investigated the scene.
According to Metro Nashville Police Department spokesperson Don Aaron, the plane had received approval for an emergency landing at John C. Tune Airport after experiencing engine and power failure. However, moments later, the pilot informed air traffic control that they would not be able to make it to the tarmac.
Recordings from LiveATC.net captured the exchange between the pilot and the air traffic controller just before the fatal crash. When asked if they still had John Tune Airport in sight, the pilot responded, “My engine shut off. I’m at sixteen hundred [feet]. I’m going to be landing… I don’t know where.”
Witnesses reported seeing the distressed plane as it approached the interstate before crashing into a grassy area behind a Costco along I-40 East. Fortunately, no buildings were impacted by the aircraft’s descent.
The crash resulted in a catastrophic explosion upon impact, leaving no survivors, according to Nashville Fire Department spokesperson Kendra Loney. The victims have not yet been publicly identified, and authorities are still working to determine the plane’s origin.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will conduct an investigation into the cause of the crash. Their findings will shed light on the factors that led to this tragic event.
As a result of the crash, I-40 East at mile marker 202 was temporarily closed, causing significant traffic congestion in the area. Witness videos and images shared by police depict the plane engulfed in flames and smoke, surrounded by first responders on the grassy roadside.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation Region 3 spokesperson, Rebekah Hammonds, advised travelers to seek alternate routes while emphasizing that the investigation would be ongoing.
CNN has reached out to the FAA for additional information regarding the incident.
In times like these, it is a stark reminder of the risks associated with air travel. While aviation safety measures have significantly improved over the years, accidents can still occur. The NTSB and FAA’s investigation will play a crucial role in understanding what went wrong in this tragic incident and potentially preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.
