Three people died after a Mooney M20TN plane crashed near Upper Cumberland Regional Airport in Sparta, Tennessee, as authorities continue to investigate the cause.
What Happened in the Tennessee Plane Crash?
A tragic plane crash occurred just before noon on Saturday, April 26, near the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport in Sparta, Tennessee.
The single-engine Mooney M20TN aircraft, carrying three people, was on approach to the airport when it went down about a mile south of the runway.
Emergency crews responded quickly after receiving 911 calls and alerts from Memphis Air Traffic Control, which had lost contact with the plane during its descent.
Where Did the Crash Occur?
The wreckage was found in a remote, grassy area near a tree line, close to Howell Cemetery Road and Almyra Road.
The location was described as isolated, making it challenging for ground teams to locate the site.
Airport staff launched another plane to help search from the air, which led to the discovery of the crash site.
Who Were the Victims?
All three people on board-reported to be two men and one woman-were killed in the crash.
Their identities have not yet been released, as authorities are waiting to notify the victims’ families.
The aircraft was registered to Advanced Avionics LLC and had departed from Alabaster-Shelby County Airport in Alabama before the accident.
How Did Emergency Responders React?
Multiple emergency agencies, including local fire departments and rescue teams, rushed to the scene.
The White County Firefighters Association and the North End Volunteer Fire Department asked the public to avoid the area during the response.
Emergency crews worked to recover the victims and secure the crash site for investigators.
What Do We Know About the Aircraft?
The Mooney M20TN is a single-engine, four-seat aircraft known for its speed and efficiency.
This particular plane was making its final approach to land at Upper Cumberland Regional Airport when the crash happened.
Flight records indicate the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control shortly before the accident.
What Are the Next Steps in the Investigation?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) arrived at the scene within hours.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with their team expected to arrive the following day.
Both agencies will examine the wreckage and review flight data to determine the cause.
No details about the cause of the crash have been released, and the investigation is ongoing.
How Does This Crash Fit Into Recent Trends?
This tragedy is part of a concerning pattern of fatal small aircraft accidents in the United States.
In recent weeks, several crashes have claimed multiple lives, including incidents in Minnesota, New York, Nebraska, and Illinois.
Aviation authorities are closely monitoring these events to identify any common factors and improve safety measures.
What Should the Public Know?
- The victims’ names will be released only after their families have been notified.
- The crash site remains closed as investigators work to determine what happened.
- The community has been asked to respect the privacy of those affected and avoid the area.
Timeline of Key Events
| Time (CDT) | Event Description |
|---|---|
| 11:50 a.m. | 911 calls and air traffic control report the aircraft missing |
| Shortly after | Airport launches search plane; crash site located in remote field |
| Afternoon | Emergency crews recover victims and secure the site |
| Later that day | FAA arrives to begin preliminary investigation |
| Next day | NTSB expected to arrive and take lead on full investigation |
What Happens Next?
The FAA and NTSB will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Updates on the victims’ identities and the cause of the crash will be provided as soon as they become available.
For now, the community mourns the loss and awaits answers that may help prevent similar
