NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A tragic small plane crash in Nashville, Tennessee, that resulted in the deaths of a Canadian family of five last year, has been attributed to pilot error, according to a recent report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The crash occurred on March 4, 2024, when the Piper PA-32RT single-engine aircraft, piloted by Victor Dotsenko, 43, went down while approaching John C. Tune Airport.
The NTSB's investigation, which spanned a year, revealed that there were no mechanical faults with the aircraft. However, it was noted that the fuel selector handle was positioned between the “off” and “left main tank” settings, which would limit the fuel supply to the engine. The report suggested that this setting likely resulted from Dotsenko adjusting the fuel selector in preparation for landing.
The small plane crashed alongside Interstate 40, approximately three miles south of the airport, igniting a fire upon impact in the grass near a Costco on Nashville's west side. Witnesses reported their shock and terror as the plane descended, with many motorists calling 911 to report the incident, some expressing disbelief at the sight of the plane nearly colliding with their vehicles.
The passengers included Dotsenko's wife, Rimma, 39, and their three children: David, 12, Adam, 10, and Emma, 7. The family had embarked on a journey from King Township, Ontario, which included refueling stops in Pennsylvania and Kentucky before heading to Nashville.
On the day of the crash, Dotsenko was in communication with air traffic control and had lined up for landing. However, for reasons that remain unclear, he was unable to continue his descent. He requested to circle the airport to make another approach. During this time, when asked by a controller if he still had the airport in visibility, Dotsenko informed them that the engine had shut down. His final transmission indicated a feeling of hopelessness as he stated, “I’m too far away. I’m not going to make it.”
Audio analysis from residential recordings around the crash site indicated the engine was operating at nearly full power of approximately 2,650 rpm before it made irregular sounds, described as “popping,” before ultimately falling silent. This evidence formed part of the basis for the NTSB’s conclusions regarding the cause of the accident.
The emotional toll on the community was evident, as many witnessed the event first-hand. One caller to 911 illustrated the chaos by exclaiming, “Oh my God. It almost hit my car!” as the plane plunged from the sky.
This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the crucial importance of proper pre-flight checks and the potential consequences of pilot error during critical phases of flight. The investigation not only sheds light on the reasons behind the crash but also emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and adherence to safety protocols in aviation.
