Tragic Small Plane Crash Claims Five Lives Near Nashville Interstate
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A devastating small plane crash near downtown Nashville has left five individuals dead. The pilot, in a distressed call to air traffic controllers, expressed his inability to make it to the designated runway for an emergency landing, moments before the tragic incident occurred.
"I'm going to be landing — I don't know where!" the pilot exclaimed before the plane crashed alongside Interstate 40, claiming the lives of all five people on board.
According to the recording of their radio transmissions, the pilot contacted air traffic controllers at approximately 7:40 p.m. on Monday, notifying them that his engine had shut down.
In response, the controllers granted him clearance to land at John C. Tune Airport, situated just west of downtown Nashville, and urged him to glide down to runway two. However, the aircraft had already descended to a height of 1,600 feet (488 meters), as reported by the distressed pilot.
"I'm too far away. I'm not going to make it," he regretfully stated.
The airplane subsequently burst into flames in a grassy area, just off the highway and behind a Costco on the city's west side, approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) south of the general aviation airport.
"It appears that everyone on board perished," shared Metro Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron.
Authorities have disclosed that the Federal Aviation Administration was present at the scene, with the National Transportation Safety Board scheduled to arrive on Tuesday.
Nashville International Airport spokesperson Stacey Nickens revealed that the ill-fated aircraft departed from Mount Sterling, Kentucky, around 7:19 p.m. and was expected to arrive at John C. Tune Airport by 7:43 p.m., as reported by The Tennessean.
Thankfully, there were no injuries reported among drivers on the interstate, confirmed Nashville Fire Department spokesperson Kendra Loney. Authorities also assured the public that no vehicles or structures on the ground were harmed.
In light of the ongoing investigation, the Tennessee Department of Transportation announced the temporary closure of the right lane adjacent to the crash site, in order to provide the necessary space and safety for the involved agencies to carry out their work.
News Agencies