NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A single-engine plane crashed near Interstate 40 and John C. Tune Airport just before 8 p.m. Monday, killing two adults and three children on board. All five were Canadian citizens, according to authorities.
Wednesday night, officials identified those on board as pilot Victor Dotsenko, 43, his wife, Rimma Dotsenko, 39, and their three children, David, 12, Adam, 10, and Emma, 7.
No one on the ground was injured.
Sky 5 flew over the scene, you can watch Sky5 footage from Monday below.
Officials said the plane appeared to be experiencing engine problems before the crash. The plane crashed just off Interstate 40 near the Costco on Charlotte Avenue. The crash was captured on Tennessee Department of Transportation cameras along I-40.
Aaron McCarter — air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board — said the wreckage was transported to a secure location in Springfield.
"It's very hard doing an investigation where children are involved," McCarter. "We are in the infancy of the investigation."
The intended location for landing was John C. Tune Airport. However, the aircraft flew over John C. Tune first then doubled back before it crashed 600 feet from I-40.
"It's not clear why he flew over it at 2,500 feet," McCarter said. "At 1,600 feet he said he was having engine issues."
As of Tuesday, it is not clear the qualifications of the pilot or how many flight hours were behind him. A preliminary report about the crash will be issued in nine to 12 days.
NewsChannel 5 Investigates confirmed Tuesday the plane was registered in Canada. In speaking with the former owner of the 1978 Piper, he said he had never had any issues with the aircraft. He sold the plane to the current owner in July 2023.
"Are you trying to land at John Tune?" the air traffic controller asked the pilot. This audio comes from the last communications with the pilot and the Federal Aviation Administration. "Do you have the airport in sight?"
"Yes, I have the airport in sight. I am too far away. I won't make it," the pilot said.
"If you can glide in they are clearing the runway for you," the air traffic controller said.
The audio turns to silence.
You can listen to the FAA audio below.
Nashville Fire Department arrived at the scene shortly after the crash and found heavy smoke and fire. They were able to quickly put out the fire.
"We are saddened by the loss of souls that were on board, but we are proud of the work that everyone is doing to stabilize this incident and to make sure that there were no additional casualties," said Kendra Loney, a spokesperson for the Nashville Fire Department.
Loney said there were pieces of the plane scattered around the scene, but crews quickly gathered them and made sure it was safe for those driving by.
Listen to Loney explain the crash below.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will head up the investigation into what caused the crash.
Sky 5 flew over the scene below.
This is a developing story, we will update you as we have more information.
Kelly Broderick, Kevin Wisniewski and Kendrick Wright contributed to this story.
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