A harrowing scene unfolded Sunday afternoon when a skydiving plane carrying multiple passengers crashed shortly after takeoff in Tennessee. The incident at Tullahoma Regional Airport sent four people to the hospital, with two suffering critical injuries.
According to Daily Mail, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that 20 people were aboard the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter when it crashed at approximately 12:45 p.m. local time on June 8. The aircraft, commonly used for skydiving operations, reportedly clipped trees near the airport before going down.
Images from the scene revealed significant damage to the aircraft, including a snapped wing and crumpled nose with debris scattered around the crash site. Despite the severity of the crash, authorities have confirmed there were no fatalities, though several passengers required immediate medical attention.
Emergency response mobilized quickly
Tennessee Highway Patrol State Troopers rushed to assist Tullahoma first responders after the crash was reported on Old Shelbyville Road. The rapid deployment of emergency services likely played a crucial role in preventing loss of life in what could have been a far more devastating incident.
Several injured passengers were airlifted by medical helicopter to surrounding hospitals, while others received evaluation at the scene. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security reported that of the four hospitalized, two sustained critical injuries requiring urgent medical care.
Coffee County EMS and other local emergency services coordinated the response efforts, securing the area while tending to the injured. Law enforcement officials asked the public to avoid the vicinity to allow emergency crews to operate safely during the critical rescue operation.
Investigation underway as details emerge
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials will be examining what caused the Twin Otter to go down so soon after departing from Tullahoma Regional Airport.
The DHC-6 Twin Otter is a utility aircraft widely used in skydiving operations due to its capacity and reliability. The model can typically accommodate up to 19 passengers, though this particular flight was carrying 20 people according to FAA reports, suggesting it may have been at or near capacity.
The City of Tullahoma released a statement confirming the time of the incident, noting: "At approximately 12:15p on Sunday, June 8th, a plane crash occurred at Tullahoma Regional Airport. There were no casualties, and reported injuries are being treated. The scene is being secured by local authorities while FAA officials are en route to continue the investigation."
Aircraft sustained significant damage
Eyewitness accounts and images from the crash site showed the Twin Otter suffered extensive structural damage upon impact. The aircraft's wing was completely separated from the fuselage, while the nose section appeared heavily damaged from the collision.
News Channel 5 reported that the plane clipped trees near the airport during the crash sequence, which may have contributed to the damage sustained. The location of the crash suggests the aircraft had just taken off and was likely still in its initial climb phase when the incident occurred.
Aviation experts note that takeoff and initial climb represent critical phases of flight where aircraft are particularly vulnerable to emergencies, as they're operating at relatively low speeds and altitudes with limited options for recovery if problems arise.
Tennessee aircraft incident details
The skydiving plane crash in Tullahoma adds to a concerning pattern of recent aviation incidents across the United States. This particular flight operated out of Tullahoma Regional Airport, located about 75 miles southeast of Nashville in Coffee County, Tennessee.
Tennessee Highway Patrol initially reported between 16 to 20 people were aboard the aircraft when it crashed Sunday afternoon. The FAA later confirmed exactly 20 occupants were present, making this a significant incident in terms of the number of people involved and potentially at risk.
The scene was quickly secured by local authorities as they awaited the arrival of FAA officials to begin their formal investigation. The inquiry will likely focus on weather conditions, mechanical factors, and operational decisions that may have contributed to the accident.
