A plane owned by Federal Express (FedEx), the major package carrier, crash landed at Chattanooga Airport in Chattanooga, TN late in the evening on October 4. Fortunately, no one was injured in the crash. The incident is now under investigation by federal and state agencies as they seek to determine the cause of the accident.

The Facts As They Are Known

Late on October 4, just after 11:00 PM, a Boeing 757 belonging to FedEx lifted off from Chattanooga Airport on its way to Memphis, TN. However, on its way up, some sort of problem was discovered with the landing gear, prompting the crew to initiate an intentional crash landing after circling the airport multiple times to burn off fuel. While no one was injured in the incident, eyewitness reports state that sparks and smoke could be seen coming from the plane’s engines when it landed at Lovell Field.

The Response to the Crash

Thanks to the forewarning they got, the Chattanooga Fire Department, Chattanooga police, airport police and fire personnel, and Hamilton County EMS were able to set up in advance of the crash. Thus, they were able to quickly respond to the accident, minimizing harm to both the plane and its crew. A federal investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrived the next day to begin investigating.

The Crash Under Investigation

While an investigation of the crash is ongoing, there are some theories as to what may have caused the accident. Jim Hall, chair of the Chattanooga Airport Authority and former chair of the NTSB, pointed to the age of the airplane, which he remarked had “a few years on it.” Other potential causes may include issues with maintenance, crew training, and even potentially any cargo it may have been carrying, although it may take weeks to pinpoint a specific cause.

What Happens Now

For the moment, the plane will remain where it is while investigators determine the cause of the crash. Temporary restrictions have been placed on air traffic coming into and out of the airport to get around this obstruction. Meanwhile, FedEx has already taken steps to resume its once-daily flight between Chattanooga and Memphis.

 

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.