A tragic plane crash in Tennessee last year that led to the death of a Canadian family was likely caused by an error made by the father who was piloting the aircraft, as stated in a National Transportation Safety Board report disclosed this week.
After a yearlong investigation into the March 4, 2024, crash, no mechanical issues were found with the aircraft. However, it was noted that the fuel selector was positioned between “off” and the left main tank. This setting would have starved the engine of fuel and was probably due to the pilot adjusting the fuel selector handle as he prepared for landing, as reported by the investigation.
The Piper PA-32RT single-engine plane crashed within the city limits of Nashville near Interstate 40, causing alarm among passing drivers. It ignited in flames just off the highway, adjacent to a Costco located on the city’s west side, approximately 3 miles south of Nashville’s John C Tune Airport.
Victor Dotsenko, aged 43, was the pilot. Alongside him were passengers, his wife Rimma, 39, and their three children, David, 12, Adam, 10, and Emma, 7. The family originated from King Township, Ontario.
Their flight journeyed from Ontario, stopping in Pennsylvania and Kentucky for refueling before heading toward the general aviation airport around 7:40 p.m. Dotsenko contacted air traffic controllers and was aligned with the runway but failed to descend for landing for reasons unknown. He requested to circle back for another approach.
When asked by a controller if he could see the airport, Dotsenko revealed that his engine had shut down. The controller once more inquired if he was attempting to land. “I’m going to be landing, I don’t know where,” Dotsenko responded.
The controller advised that a runway was being cleared for him and urged him to try a glide landing. Dotsenko, however, in his final transmission said, “I’m too far away. I’m not going to make it.”
Analysis of audio and video recordings from nearby residences indicated that the engine was functioning at nearly full power of about 2,650 rpm before the sound became abnormal with several ‘popping’ noises heard before the engine sound ceased as per the report.
Numerous witnesses called 911, many in shock and disbelief at the scene they witnessed, as per audio obtained through public records request. One caller exclaimed, “Oh my God. It almost hit my car!”
