Multiple People Airlifted After Plane Crash Near Nashville, Tennessee
Emergency responders rushed to the scene of a small aircraft crash in Coffee County, Tennessee, on Sunday afternoon, where multiple people were injured and several had to be airlifted to nearby hospitals.
The crash occurred just outside Tullahoma Regional Airport, about 60 miles south of Nashville.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the plane, believed to be a de Havilland Canada DHC‑6 Twin Otter commonly used for skydiving operations, went down shortly after takeoff around 12:15 p.m. local time.
Initial investigations suggest the aircraft may have struck nearby trees before crashing near Old Shelbyville Highway.
Officials say between 16 and 20 people were on board at the time of the incident. Several sustained injuries, but no fatalities have been reported.
Most of the injuries were described as minor, though some individuals required urgent medical evacuation by air.
Tullahoma city spokesperson Lyle Russell confirmed that all injured passengers received immediate attention, with local EMS crews and fire services responding within minutes.
The area surrounding the crash site was cordoned off to allow emergency teams full access.
“The plane was involved in skydiving activities, which are quite common in this region,” Russell noted.
“It’s incredibly fortunate that despite the nature of the crash, there have been no deaths,” authorities said.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has deployed investigators to the site, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to assist in determining the exact cause of the crash. Investigators will be examining weather conditions, maintenance logs, pilot history, and possible mechanical failure.
Residents in the area were urged to avoid the scene as emergency crews carried out recovery and safety operations.
Eyewitnesses described a loud sound followed by a sudden drop in the aircraft’s altitude before impact.
As of Sunday evening, the names and medical conditions of the injured have not been released. Authorities say updates will follow as more information becomes available from hospitals and aviation officials.
The incident has sparked renewed attention to safety standards in recreational aviation, particularly in aircraft used for activities like skydiving.
