Nashville Plane Crash: Multiple Fatalities, I-40 Closed
TL/DR –
A small aircraft crashed into a shoulder of Nashville’s Interstate 40, killing all five passengers onboard and causing a partial highway closure. The plane had reported engine and power failure and was approved for an emergency landing at John C. Tune Airport, but the pilot stated they wouldn’t make it to the tarmac. An investigation into the cause of the crash will be conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration.
Investigation launched after fatal Nashville plane crash
A small aircraft burst into flames following a crash on a shoulder of Nashville’s Interstate 40, claiming the lives of all five passengers on board. The incident led to a partial closure of the highway for investigative purposes.
The aircraft had received clearance for an emergency landing at John C. Tune Airport following reports of engine and power failure. However, the pilot soon communicated to air traffic control that they wouldn’t be able to reach the airport.
Audio from LiveATC.net captured the conversation between the pilot and the air traffic controller leading up to the tragic incident.
The controller inquired of the pilot, “Do you still have 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 that the plane appeared distressed as it flew over the interstate before crashing into a grassy area near a Costco along I-40 East. Officials expressed relief that the plane did not strike any buildings upon crashing.
The aircraft exploded into flames upon impact, according to Nashville Fire Department spokesperson Kendra Loney. She further stated that the impact was catastrophic, leaving no survivors.
Authorities have yet to publicly identify the victims and are still trying to determine the plane’s origin. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration will further investigate the cause of the crash.
A Twitter update from the Tennessee Department of Transportation Region 3 spokesperson, Rebekah Hammonds, confirmed the crash led to the temporary closure of I-40 East at mile marker 202.
Interstate-40 will be narrowed to two lanes on Tuesday morning as investigators continue their work at the scene, according to a separate TDOT announcement.
Video footage from a witness showed the aircraft engulfed in flames and smoke, and images shared by police show the aircraft’s mangled frame surrounded by first responders. Live traffic cameras also showed a large emergency vehicle response blocking all eastbound travel lanes near the crash site and a string of gridlocked traffic leading up to the shut-down stretch of I-40 East.
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