Aircraft Goes Down Near Sparta Airport
SPARTA, TN, April 26, 2025 — A small plane crash in White County claimed three lives on Saturday afternoon, shaking the quiet North End community.
The accident happened just after noon when a Mooney M20TN, a single-engine aircraft, crashed into a field near Almyra Road. The site sits close to the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport in Sparta.
According to Dean Selby, Director of the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, the plane was approaching the runway when disaster struck. It clipped trees, lost control, and slammed into a creek bank.
Immediate Response from Emergency Teams
First responders rushed to the scene within minutes. Teams from the White County Firefighters Association and the North End Volunteer Fire Department worked swiftly to secure the area.
Sadly, there were no survivors. Authorities confirmed that two men and one woman aboard the plane were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not yet released their names, awaiting notification of family members.
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying sight. One local resident said, “The plane came down fast. We heard a loud crash and saw smoke.”
Crews cordoned off the area and urged the public to stay away. Their priority remains ensuring a safe investigation and protecting any evidence at the site.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken charge of the investigation. An NTSB investigator arrived at the crash site on Saturday evening to begin documenting the wreckage.
The debris will be carefully moved to a secure facility for detailed examination. The NTSB will study possible causes, including pilot error, mechanical failure, or weather conditions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also supporting the investigation. Together, the agencies aim to uncover exactly what led to this devastating crash.
“This is a heartbreaking event for our community,” said a spokesperson for White County emergency services. “We are fully cooperating with federal authorities to find answers.”
Appeal for Witnesses
In a statement, the NTSB urged anyone with information, photos, or videos of the crash to come forward. Witnesses can send details to [email protected].
Such evidence can provide crucial insights in the early stages of an investigation. Every detail helps piece together the final moments before the crash.
Community in Mourning
The tragedy has cast a heavy shadow over White County. Residents have expressed their grief and concern for the families affected.
Local officials plan to offer support services in the coming days. Counseling resources will be made available to those impacted by the event.
Flags in parts of Sparta and White County were lowered to half-staff on Saturday evening in honor of the victims.
Ongoing Developments
The crash site remains under strict control. Local law enforcement and federal investigators continue to comb through evidence and document the scene.
Authorities said updates will be released as the investigation progresses. For the latest information, residents can visit the NTSB’s official website or contact their offices directly.
As White County mourns, the focus remains on finding answers — and offering support to the grieving families.
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