A Beechcraft V35 crashed near Franklin, Tennessee, killing all three people onboard, with initial findings indicating the aircraft breaking apart in the sky. The plane, registered to a Baton Rouge-based plastic surgeon, left Louisiana Regional Airport and was headed for Louisville, Kentucky. The practice of the pilot released a statement mourning his loss, and the identities of the other victims have yet to be confirmed. Federal investigators are examining the crash site, with the area spanned by debris from the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation into the incident.
General aviation is statistically more dangerous than commercial flying, with 157 fatal accidents involving non-commercial fixed-wing aircraft occurring in 2023. The crash in Tennessee was not the only fatal plane crash on Wednesday, as an 18-year-old was killed in a Cessna 150L crash in North Texas. Commercial flying has not seen a fatal crash in the United States in 15 years. Local authorities are unsure of where the incident began or ended, as the crash area covers roughly half a mile, with debris scattered in people’s yards and driveways, but no structural damage was reported.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an explosion believed to be the crash, as the plane was in contact with air traffic control and descending to 9,000 feet when the incident occurred. The sudden loss of Dr. Lucius Doucet has affected his practice, Williamson Cosmetic Center, and its patients who had strong bonds with him over the years. The identities of the other two victims are still unknown, and the investigation into the crash is ongoing. Federal investigators are searching for answers in the debris field, trying to determine the cause of the crash.
General aviation accidents can be more dangerous than commercial flying, with a higher number of fatal incidents involving non-commercial fixed-wing aircraft every year. The crash in Tennessee is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with flying small planes. As the investigation continues, authorities will work to piece together the events leading up to the crash and hopefully prevent similar incidents in the future. The aviation community mourns the loss of the three victims and hopes for answers to be found through the investigation. For updates on this story, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news.
