Tennessee Skydiving Plane Crash Injures Passengers, FAA Investigates

Just hours ago a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter skydiving plane carrying 20 passengers crashed shortly after takeoff from Tullahoma Regional Airport in Coffee County, Tennessee, about 75 miles southeast of Nashville. The incident, reported at approximately 12:45 p.m., occurred near Old Shelbyville Highway, close to the Beechcraft Museum, after the aircraft reportedly clipped trees. The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) and local authorities swiftly responded, securing the scene as emergency crews tended to the injured.

“Initial reports suggest 16–20 people were on board. Some have been airlifted to nearby hospitals,” the THP stated in a social media post, later confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to involve 20 individuals. Several passengers were airlifted to local hospitals via medical helicopters, while others received on-site evaluations. “At approximately 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 8th, a plane crash occurred at Tullahoma Regional Airport,” said Lyle Russell, a Tullahoma city spokesperson. “The scene is being secured by local authorities while FAA officials are en route to continue the investigation.” The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security reported two passengers sustained serious injuries, but no fatalities occurred, with most injuries described as minor.

Video footage from the THP revealed significant damage, including a severed tail and scattered debris, with yellow caution tape cordoning off the crash site. The FAA has launched an investigation to determine the cause, which remains unclear. Authorities urged residents to avoid the area to facilitate emergency operations. The DHC-6 Twin Otter, known for its short takeoff and landing capabilities, is widely used for skydiving due to its capacity for up to 22 passengers. It remains uncertain whether those aboard were skydivers preparing for a jump.

This incident follows a history of DHC-6 accidents, including a 2017 crash in Perris, California, though none recently in Tennessee. Local media, including WKRN, continue to gather details as the community awaits further updates on the passengers’ conditions and the investigation’s findings.