Article Summary –
A small plane crashed into a shoulder of Nashville’s Interstate 40, killing all five people on board and causing a partial highway closure. The plane had reported engine and power failure before making an emergency landing. Further investigation of the crash will be conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration.
A Fatal Plane Crash in Nashville Kills Five and Closes Interstate 40
A small plane crashed into the shoulder of Nashville’s Interstate 40 on Monday night, exploding into flames and killing all five passengers on board. The incident led to a partial closure of the highway for an investigation.
The plane reported engine failure and power outage around 7:40 p.m. and sought approval for an emergency landing at John C. Tune Airport. However, the pilot soon communicated to air traffic control that a tarmac landing was not possible.
Recorded communication between the pilot and the air traffic controller gives insight into the moments before the fatal crash. The pilot’s words were chilling: “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 was in obvious distress as it came over the interstate before crashing into a grassy area near I-40 East and a Costco store. Metro Nashville Police Department spokesperson, Don Aaron, noted that the tragedy could have been worse if the aircraft had hit any buildings.
The explosion upon impact was catastrophic, leaving no survivors, as reported by Nashville Fire Department spokesperson Kendra Loney.
The identities of the five victims are not yet disclosed publicly as police are still investigating. The origin of the plane is also unclear at this point.
The cause of the crash is to be investigated by both the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The crash resulted in the temporary closure of I-40 East at mile marker 202, according to Rebekah Hammonds, spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Transportation Region 3.
Footage from the scene shows the aircraft engulfed in flames and smoke, with its mangled frame surrounded by first responders. There was a large emergency vehicle response blocking all eastbound travel lanes near the crash site.
Hammonds advised travelers to find an alternate route as the investigation would be ongoing, causing major traffic disruptions on the interstate.
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