Five people have died after a single-engine plane crashed as it attempted to make an emergency landing in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday night, law enforcement said.
The control tower at Nashville’s John Tune airport received a message at about 7:40 p.m. from a pilot, who said their aircraft was experiencing engine and power failure and needed permission to land, Don Aaron, public affairs director for the Nashville Metropolitan Police said at a press conference Monday night. The tower granted permission.
As the plane continued toward the airport, the pilot contacted the tower again to say the aircraft was not going to make it, Aaron said.
Emergency officials work the scene of a fatal small plane crash alongside Interstate 40 near mile marker 202, Monday, March 4, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
George Walker IV/AP
Witnesses told police the plane was in distress as it came over the interstate, the official said. The plane crashed behind a Costco just off the Eastbound lanes of Interstate 40, he said.
A spokesperson for the Nashville Fire Department said the plane imploded on impact. The “impact was catastrophic and did not leave any survivors,” the FD rep said.
The fire department was met with heavy flames as they reached the scene, but they were able to extinguish it and preserve evidence from the scene.
Emergency officials work the scene of a fatal small plane crash alongside Interstate 40 near mile marker 202, Monday, March 4, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
George Walker Iv/AP
The Federal Aviation Administration arrived at the scene, the Metro Nashville Police Department said. Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board were en route to investigate the incident, Aaron said.
Local officials are working with federal authorities to determine where the plane originated from. Authorities also do not yet know who was onboard.
The interstate was shut down following the incident an the investigation into the crash is ongoing.
ABC News’ Matt Foster and Darren Reynolds contributed to this report.
On a tragic day in Nashville, police have reported that five individuals have died in a single-engine plane crash near I-40. The incident occurred on a clear day, with no adverse weather conditions reported at the time of the crash.
The small plane, which was carrying five passengers, went down shortly after takeoff from a nearby airport. Witnesses reported seeing the plane experiencing engine trouble before it plummeted to the ground. Emergency responders were quick to arrive at the scene, but unfortunately, all five individuals on board were pronounced dead.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of their families. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash to determine the cause of the tragedy. Initial reports suggest that mechanical failure may have played a role in the accident.
This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with air travel, even in small aircraft. While flying is generally considered a safe mode of transportation, accidents can and do happen. It is crucial for pilots to undergo thorough training and for aircraft to be properly maintained to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the victims of this terrible crash. As the investigation unfolds, we hope that answers will be found to provide closure and prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.
