(DailyVantage.com) – A tragic plane crash near Nashville ended in disaster due to pilot error, revealing a harrowing oversight that cost a Canadian family their lives.
At a Glance
- A small plane crash in Tennessee last year killed a Canadian family of five.
- The crash was likely due to an error by the pilot, Victor Dotsenko, according to a National Transportation Safety Board report.
- The investigation found no mechanical issues with the plane.
- The fuel selector was improperly set, likely starving the engine of fuel.
Pilot’s Error in Fatal Plane Crash
Reports confirm that a crash involving a Piper PA-32RT near Nashville, Tennessee, was attributed to pilot error. Pilot Victor Dotsenko, attempting to land at John C Tune Airport, inadvertently set the fuel selector incorrectly, causing the engine to be starved of fuel. The resulting crash, occurring near Interstate 40, took the lives of Dotsenko, his wife Rimma, and their three children. The National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation revealed no mechanical issues with the aircraft.
The devastating accident happened only a few miles from the plane’s intended runway. Witnesses recounted their shock at the sight of the aircraft veering off course and erupting into flames near a Costco. Unusual engine noises and popping sounds reported during the plane’s descent have been linked to the mispositioning of the fuel selector. The error appears to have occurred as Dotsenko attempted to prepare for the landing.
Critical Moments and Communication
Pilot Victor Dotsenko remained in communication with air traffic controllers, indicating he was aligned with the runway. Nevertheless, he failed to make the critical descent necessary for a safe landing. He reported an engine shutdown to the controllers, claiming he was “too far away” and not going to make it to the runway. The aircraft reportedly continued to operate at full engine power until the abnormal sounds began, signifying a significant issue.
The flight, which originated in Ontario with stops in Pennsylvania and Kentucky, tragically concluded within city limits. Numerous witnesses called 911, expressing disbelief at the near-miss with highway vehicles. Dotsenko’s last moments reflect a desperate bid to rectify the emerging situation, yet he was tragically unable to avert disaster.
Remembering Those Lost
The family from King Township, Ontario, did not survive the crash. The final moments captured by audio and video analysis paint a harrowing scene, as the engine surged before losing power. Statements from the National Transportation Safety Board emphasize that the error possibly arose during Dotsenko’s landing preparations, tragically stalling the engine at a critical moment before landing.
“This setting would starve the engine of fuel and was likely the result of the pilot changing the fuel selector handle in preparation for landing” – National Transportation Safety Board report
This accident serves as a solemn reminder of the critical importance of precision in piloting and the devastating consequences of any oversight. The incident remains a sobering testament to vigilance and the often-unforgiving nature of aviation.
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