Tennessee, United States: Two brothers were killed when a small aircraft crashed in Warren County, Tennessee, on June 17, prompting a federal investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
According to Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny Jr., the aircraft departed from a private airstrip in the Viola community before crashing in a cornfield near Morrison Industrial Park, west of McMinnville. The crash site was located near Doyle Frazier Road in Morrison.
Preliminary information released by the sheriff’s office indicates investigators believe the aircraft may have struck a tree shortly after takeoff. Despite the apparent impact, the airplane continued flying for a short period before ultimately crashing while likely en route to Warren County Memorial Airport.
Sheriff Matheny said the aircraft appeared to have entered a nose-down descent before impact, leaving behind a large debris field across the crash site.
Family members confirmed that the victims were brothers from the Viola community. The aircraft involved was a Cessna 177RG Cardinal. Authorities confirmed that both occupants died in the accident.
Emergency crews responded to the scene shortly after the crash was reported at approximately 12:19 p.m. local time. The accident occurred in a rural area near Morrison Industrial Park, and no injuries on the ground were reported.
Federal investigators have now assumed responsibility for determining the cause of the accident. The NTSB is leading the investigation with assistance from the FAA. Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, aircraft records, pilot information, weather conditions, and other factors as part of the inquiry.
As of the latest reports, officials have not publicly released the names of the victims. Authorities have also not disclosed the aircraft’s registration number or ownership information. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks, while a final determination of probable cause could take considerably longer.
