(ReliableNews.org) – There are more than 1,000 plane crashes every year in the US of civilian-owned aircraft. Although that’s certainly no small number, it’s far fewer than the millions of car accidents, making it a safer way to travel. Sadly, a recent plane crash in Tennessee killed multiple people.
On March 4, two adults and three children, all Canadian citizens, died in a crash on Interstate 40 East between mile markers 201 and 202. According to air traffic control at John Tune Airport, the pilot received a message about the plane experiencing power and engine failure at 7:40 p.m. local time. The pilot requested permission to make an emergency landing after flying over the airport at approximately 2,500 feet.
Investigators don’t know why the pilot didn’t land at that time. He told air traffic control that he had a runway in sight but was too far away and wasn’t going to make it.
NTSB Air Safety Investigator Aaron McCarter said the plane made a U-turn and then crashed into the road. After the accident, the aircraft tumbled and came stop on a hill. The plane erupted into flames. The investigator said the victims were not identified yet.
McCarter said the area of the crash was muddy. He expects there to be a preliminary report in about 10 days. However, the full report won’t be available for nine to 12 months. The plane was a single-engine Piper PA-32RT-300T. It took off from Kentucky before the crash. ABC News reported that witnesses said the plane appeared to be in distress before the crash.
The NTSB is looking for help from witnesses. McCarter said there were several videos of the crash and they were interested in viewing them.
Consular officials in Canada are in contact with authorities in Tennessee. They are going to assist the family of the victims. Global Affairs Canada would not provide any more information to the press for now.
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