A small airplane crashed at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport on Wednesday, July 26, early in the morning, resulting in two people being injured. Reports indicate that the small plane suffered a significant mechanical failure, which ultimately led to the accident. The exact cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

The Known Facts of the Accident

According to the Chattanooga Fire Department, the small plane departed from the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport at around 10:00 AM. The plane remained in the air for seven minutes until it began reporting a serious mechanical failure, namely that one of the doors had opened mid-flight. The pilot attempted an emergency landing, but they experienced additional difficulties, and ultimately crashed, resulting in injuries to the two passengers aboard.

The Aftermath of the Accident

Chattanooga Police, Hamilton County EMS and Airport Fire & Police all responded to the scene of the crash, along with fire companies to respond to the risk of a fire. Fortunately, there was no fire, and the fuel from the plane did not leak. In all, there was only a thirty minute delay to redirect air traffic and allow emergency responders to access the scene, which impacted one departing flight and two arriving flights.

Questions Remaining Under Investigation

Right now, the cause of the accident is unclear, and is under investigation by both the National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It is unclear how or why the door on the plane opened, or what other issues they may have experienced that led to the accident. Fortunately, the passengers themselves received immediate medical attention, although it is not yet clear how extensive their injuries were.

What Happens Now

The NTSB and FAA will investigate the scene of the crash to determine what, if anything, caused the mechanical failures that led to the crash. Attention will be paid to the actions of the pilot during the crash, as well as any potential negligent conduct by the company that owns and operates the plane (which is registered to an LLC located in Chattanooga). Once the investigation is complete, the wreckage of the plane will be removed from the site, allowing the airport to return to normal operations.

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.