The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued its preliminary report on the cause of a plane crash that occurred on May 15 in Williamson County, just outside of Franklin, TN. According to the initial report, there is evidence to confirm that the plane experienced a mid-flight breakup, which occurred after an unexplained change in altitude. Currently, one of the suspected causes of the accident was a defective wing bolt, which may have been cracked prior to the accident.

What is Known About the Flight

The plane involved was a 1966 Bonanza V35, tail number N47WT, which was owned and operated by Dr. Lucius Doucet III, a native of Louisiana. Also on board the flight were his two children, Giselle and Jean-Luc, both of whom were students at Louisiana State University set to graduate this year. Dr. Doucet was a licensed pilot, and had been flying planes since 2016.

The Timeline of Events

According to the NTSB report, the flight took off at 8:53 AM from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, flying at around 7,000 ft and headed towards Louisville, Kentucky, and was originally meant to arrive around 1:00 PM. However, as Doucet approached Memphis Approach airspace, he suddenly requested a deviation to 9,000 ft, although he repeatedly ascended to 10,000 ft and began deviating from his course. Once he approached Nashville Approach airspace, he was told to turn around, which caused him to fly into “moderate to heavy” rain. At that point, his heading began to become erratic, and he started to descend, eventually crashing shortly after noon.

Suspected Causes of the Accident

There are two primary culprits suspected for the cause of the accident, which is believed to be the result of a mid-flight breakup. First, it is believed that the plane may have suffered damage due to the precipitation in the area, although overall the severity of the storm was considered “light” until he hit the more stormy patch of weather. Second, the NTSB’s investigation found that one of the wing bolts on the plane was fractured, which may have cracked due to a manufacturing defect under the high stress the plane was under during its descent.

How it Might Have Been Avoided

There are a few ways this accident might have been avoided, based on the information we know about the crash. First, it is unwise to fly when it is raining, even when the rain is light, as weather can worsen without warning, as this accident unfortunately shows. Second, a more thorough examination of the plane might have revealed potential issues with the wing bolt, which might have been addressed before the crash occurred. This is why diligent maintenance is key, and why it is so important to address any known problems before going in the air.