A tragic plane crash near Franklin, Tennessee, which claimed the lives of three individuals, has prompted the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to release a preliminary report outlining the sequence of events leading to the incident.

Flight Details

The Beech V35 aircraft took off from Louisiana Regional Airport (REG), Gonzales, Louisiana, at approximately 8:50 a.m. on May 15. Its intended destination was Bowman Field Airport (LOU), Louisville, Kentucky, with a planned stop to pick up an additional passenger before returning to Louisiana.

Flight Path

According to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the pilot ascended the aircraft to 9,000 ft. near the Mississippi border. Subsequently, the plane descended to 7,000 ft. before approaching the airspace of Nashville International Airport (BNA).

Communication and Deviation

Preliminary audio communications revealed that the pilot requested a deviation from the Memphis Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), which was granted. However, neither the reason for the deviation nor an inquiry into it was made by the controller.

Weather Conditions

Analysis of preliminary weather data indicated that the aircraft encountered moderate to heavy precipitation while on course. Witnesses reported hearing a pop sound as the plane descended.

Tragic Descent

As the airplane entered a rapid descent, witnesses observed pieces of the aircraft descending through clouds. The wreckage, scattered over a wide area, indicated a catastrophic event. Both wings separated from the fuselage, with subsequent recovery efforts revealing the scattered remnants of the aircraft, including the engine and propeller assembly submerged in a nearby lake.

Pilot Information

The pilot, identified as Dr. Lucius Doucet, a cosmetic surgeon from Louisiana, had recently purchased the airplane in December 2023. He had accumulated a total of 366 flight hours, with 14 hours logged on the accident airplane make model.

Conclusion

The NTSB’s preliminary report provides critical insights into the tragic plane crash near Franklin, Tennessee. As investigations continue, the aviation community mourns the loss of Dr. Doucet and his two children, emphasizing the importance of aviation safety measures and thorough accident investigations.

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[Read the NTSB’s preliminary report here.] (link to the report)

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