A skydiving plane carrying 20 people crashed on Sunday in Tullahoma, Tennessee, just south of Nashville. The twin-engine DeHaviland DH-6 Twin Otter went down around 12:30 pm local time (1730 GMT), shortly after taking off from Tullahoma Regional Airport. The crash happened unexpectedly, sending the aircraft into a grassy field.
City Spokesman Confirms No Fatalities
Fortunately, no one died in the crash. City spokesman Lyle Russell confirmed this right away, saying, “There were no casualties,” in a statement to AFP. Despite the crash’s severity, everyone onboard survived, which was a relief to officials.
Emergency Teams Respond Swiftly
After the crash, emergency teams acted quickly. “Three were sent for medical treatment via helicopter and one sent by ground transport for more serious injuries to local hospitals,” Russell explained. In addition, first responders treated other individuals at the scene for minor injuries. Fortunately, their swift action helped prevent more severe outcomes.
Crash Does Not Cause Ground Damage
Moreover, the crash did not affect any buildings or people on the ground. “No ground facilities or airport facilities were damaged and there were no injuries reported from the ground,” Russell added. This was a positive development, considering the nature of the incident.
FAA and Police Begin Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promptly launched an investigation into the crash. Additionally, the Tennessee Highway Patrol confirmed that its officers were assisting local police at the scene. As a result, authorities are taking steps to understand the cause of the crash.
Images Reveal Damage to Plane
Later, the Tennessee Highway Patrol posted images on social media. The photos showed the small white plane with blue trim lying in a grassy field. Its nose had dug into the ground, while the tail and one wing had broken off. Police vehicles with flashing lights surrounded the wreckage, offering a stark contrast to the calm surroundings.
