NTSB Reports Pilot Error Likely Led to Tennessee Plane Crash That Claimed Lives of Canadian Family

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—A tragic small plane crash in Tennessee last year that resulted in the deaths of a Canadian family of five was likely due to a mistake made by the father, who was at the controls, as indicated by a report released this week by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The investigation, which lasted a year and focused on the crash that occurred on March 4, 2024, revealed that there were no mechanical failures with the plane; however, the fuel selector was found to be positioned between “off” and the left main tank.

“This configuration would deprive the engine of fuel and likely resulted from the pilot adjusting the fuel selector handle in anticipation of landing,” the report stated.

The Piper PA-32RT single-engine aircraft crashed within the city limits of Nashville, adjacent to Interstate 40, alarming drivers on the road. It ignited upon impact in the grass near the highway and behind a Costco store on the city’s west side, approximately 3 miles south of Nashville’s John C Tune Airport.

Victor Dotsenko, 43, served as the pilot, accompanied by his wife, Rimma, 39, and their three children: David, 12, Adam, 10, and Emma, 7. The family hailed from King Township, Ontario.

The flight, which began in Ontario, included stops in Pennsylvania and Kentucky for refueling before the family aimed to land at the general aviation airport around 7:40 p.m. Dotsenko had made contact with air traffic control and was aligned with the runway; however, for reasons that remain unclear, he did not initiate his descent for landing and requested to circle back for another approach.

When a controller inquired whether Dotsenko could still see the airport, he responded that his engine had stalled. The controller followed up, asking if he was attempting to land.

“I’m going to be landing, I don’t know where,” Dotsenko replied.

A controller informed him that they were clearing a runway and encouraged him to try to glide in.

However, Dotsenko relayed in his final communication, “I’m too far away. I’m not going to make it.”

An analysis of residential audio and video recordings indicated “the engine was functioning at nearly full continuous power of about 2,650 rpm before the sound became irregular, followed by several ‘popping’ noises before the engine noise ceased,” according to the report.

Numerous witnesses dialed 911, with some expressing shock and disbelief about the events they had just witnessed, as revealed by audio from the calls obtained through a public records request.

“Oh my God. It almost hit my car!” exclaimed one caller.

By Travis Loller