โ๏ธ What happened
โข On June 8, a de Havilland Canada DHCโ6 Twin Otter carrying 20 people (19 skydivers + 1 pilot) crashed just after takeoff at Tullahoma Regional Airport, about 75โฏmi south of Nashville .
โข The aircraft reportedly experienced an aborted takeoff, then veered off runway into trees and rough terrain
๐ฅ Survivor Accounts & Medical Updates
โข Justin Fuller โSpideyโ, a veteran skydiving instructor on board, shared that he emerged โwithout a scratchโ and is โextremely blessed,โ while praising the pilot for saving everyone onboard ๏ฟผ.
โข A total of six people were hospitalizedโthree airlifted, one by ground transport, and others treated on-site. As of now, the pilot remains in critical condition, and two others are seriously hurt ๏ฟผ.
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๐ Crash Details & Investigation
โข The DHCโ6 Twin Otter, registered N166DH and maintained by Randigo Aviation for Skydive Tennessee, aborted its takeoff, clipped trees, and crashed into rough terrain just past the runway. It reportedly split in two, suffering major damage ๏ฟผ.
โข The FAA conducted immediate interviews; the NTSB is now leading the crash investigation, which includes cockpit voice recorder retrieval (though the aircraft wasnโt required to have one), aircraft maintenance records review, and witness statements ๏ฟผ.
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๐ฅ Visual Evidence
๐ Community & Operator Response
โข Skydive Tennessee confirmed the aircraft was up-to-date on all maintenance checks and expressed gratitude toward first responders and their community, stating their priority is determining the cause and supporting those affected ๏ฟผ.
โข Local residents witnessed the crash aftermath and described the rescue as โtruly a miracle,โ thankful that no one on the ground was harmed .
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Whatโs Next
1. NTSB will release a preliminary report in the coming days, outlining probable causes and initial findings.
2. FAA will evaluate any procedural or operational lapses, and Skydive Tennessee may adjust their safety protocols accordingly.
3. Updates on the pilotโs and other injured passengersโ recoveries will likely follow.
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This remarkable survivalโ20 people onboard, no fatalities, six injuriesโhas resonated deeply. The focus now is on understanding exactly what went wrong during takeoff and ensuring steps are taken so it doesnโt happen again.
