A Canadian family of five perished in a Nashville plane crash that investigators now say was caused by a fatal pilot error involving an improperly positioned fuel selector.
At a Glance
- The National Transportation Safety Board determined pilot error led to the crash of a Piper PA-32RT near Nashville last year
- Pilot Victor Dotsenko, his wife Rimma, and their three children from King Township, Ontario were killed
- Investigators found no mechanical issues with the aircraft but discovered the fuel selector was improperly set
- The plane crashed near Interstate 40, approximately 3 miles from John C Tune Airport
- Witnesses reported hearing unusual engine sounds before the crash
Fatal Fuel Selector Error
A National Transportation Safety Board investigation has determined that pilot error was responsible for a tragic plane crash in Nashville, Tennessee that claimed the lives of a Canadian family last year. The single-engine Piper PA-32RT crashed within Nashville city limits near Interstate 40, about three miles from John C Tune Airport where it had been scheduled to land. The aircraft burst into flames near a Costco store after the pilot reported engine trouble, killing all five people onboard.
The investigation revealed that a critical mistake with the fuel selector valve starved the engine of fuel at a crucial moment.
Investigators found no mechanical defects with the aircraft that would have contributed to the crash. The report indicates that the engine had been operating normally at full power until abnormal sounds and popping noises were heard shortly before the crash. These sounds, consistent with fuel starvation, were captured in audio and video analysis gathered during the investigation.
Final Moments of Flight
Victor Dotsenko, who was piloting the aircraft with his wife Rimma and their three children as passengers, had been in contact with air traffic controllers as he approached the airport. Records show the family’s journey had originated in Ontario with scheduled stops in Pennsylvania and Kentucky before the final leg to Nashville. Radio communications revealed Dotsenko’s growing concern as he realized the engine was failing.
As the situation deteriorated, Dotsenko made a desperate final transmission, saying, “I’m too far away. I’m not going to make it.” Flight data shows that while the aircraft was aligned with the runway, it failed to descend properly for landing before the engine shut down completely. Multiple witnesses called 911 after seeing the aircraft go down, with some stating that the plane narrowly missed vehicles on the busy highway.
Safety Implications
The NTSB’s findings highlight the critical nature of proper fuel management in aviation. The Piper PA-32RT, like many small aircraft, requires pilots to manually select fuel tanks using a selector valve. When incorrectly positioned between tanks or set to “off,” fuel flow to the engine is interrupted. This type of error is particularly dangerous during critical flight phases such as approach and landing when pilots are managing multiple tasks.
The Canadian family from King Township, Ontario had nearly completed their multi-state journey when the fatal error occurred just minutes from their destination. Aviation experts note that small aircraft accidents often result from a chain of events or decisions rather than a single catastrophic mechanical failure.
