A Tragic Crash in Nashville: The Loss of a Canadian Family
A Devastating Incident Unfolds
On March 4, 2024, a heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in Nashville, Tennessee, when a small plane crashed, claiming the lives of a Canadian family of five. The incident occurred near Interstate 40, startling motorists as the plane burst into flames in a grassy area behind a Costco on the city’s west side. The Piper PA-32RT single-engine plane, piloted by Victor Dotsenko, 43, was just 3 miles south of Nashville’s John C Tune Airport when it went down. Despite the efforts of first responders, there were no survivors. The crash shocked the community and left many questioning how such a tragedy could occur.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a yearlong investigation into the crash, releasing its findings in a detailed report. According to the report, the crash was most likely the result of an error by the pilot, Victor Dotsenko. The investigation revealed no mechanical issues with the plane, but it did identify a critical issue with the fuel selector. The selector was found in a position between the “off” setting and the left main tank position. This configuration would have starved the engine of fuel, leading to the crash. The report suggested that Dotsenko may have inadvertently moved the fuel selector while preparing for landing, a decision that ultimately proved fatal.
The Family: A Loving Father and His Beloved Family
Victor Dotsenko was not just a pilot; he was a devoted husband and father to his wife, Rimma, 39, and their three children—David, 12, Adam, 10, and Emma, 7. The family hailed from King Township, Ontario, and their tragic deaths sent shockwaves through their community. Friends and family remembered the Dotsenkos as a tight-knit and loving family who enjoyed spending time together. Victor, an experienced pilot, had planned the flight as a family adventure, with stops in Pennsylvania and Kentucky to refuel before heading to Nashville. The trip was meant to be a memorable journey, but it ended in unimaginable sorrow.
The Dotsenkos’ flight originated in Ontario, and they had been in contact with air traffic controllers throughout their journey. As they approached Nashville’s John C Tune Airport around 7:40 p.m., Victor was lined up with the runway and in communication with the control tower. However, for reasons that remain unclear, he failed to begin his descent for landing. Instead, he requested permission to circle around and approach the runway again.
The Final Moments: A Desperate Struggle to Land
The NTSB report paints a harrowing picture of the final moments of the flight. When air traffic controllers asked Victor if he still had the airport in sight, he responded that his engine had shut down. Controllers then asked if he was attempting to land, to which he replied, “I’m going to be landing, I don’t know where.” The controllers, trying to assist, cleared a runway and urged him to try to glide the plane to safety.
In his last transmission, Victor’s voice reflected the desperation of the situation. “I’m too far away. I’m not going to make it,” he said. Those were his final words before the plane crashed. Residential audio and video recordings near the crash site revealed that the engine was operating at nearly full power—about 2,650 rpm—before it began to sputter. Witnesses reported hearing “popping” noises before the engine sound ceased entirely.
Witnesses Recall the Horror
The crash left a lasting impact on those who witnessed it. Motorists on Interstate 40 were horrified as they watched the plane go down in flames. Many called 911, their voices filled with shock and disbelief. “Oh my God. It almost hit my car!” one caller exclaimed. The recordings, obtained through a public records request, provide a chilling glimpse into the chaos of the moment. The crash was so close to the highway that some witnesses feared for their own safety.
The aftermath of the crash was just as heartbreaking. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but there was little they could do to save the family. The plane was engulfed in flames, and the fire was intense. The Dotsenkos’ deaths were confirmed soon after, leaving their loved ones in Canada to grapple with the loss of an entire family.
A Community in Mourning
The crash in Nashville sent shockwaves far beyond the city limits. In King Township, Ontario, the Dotsenkos were well-known and beloved members of their community. Friends and neighbors remembered Victor as a skilled pilot who loved flying and sharing that passion with his family. Rimma was described as a kind and caring mother who always put her children first. The loss of such a vibrant family left many in mourning.
In the weeks and months following the crash, the community came together to support the Dotsenkos’ loved ones. Mourners gathered for a memorial service to celebrate the lives of Victor, Rimma, David, Adam, and Emma. The service was a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
The NTSB’s findings provided some answers about the cause of the crash, but they did little to ease the pain of those who lost so much. The Dotsenkos’ story serves as a reminder of the risks associated with aviation and the importance of vigilance in ensuring safety. While the investigation may be over, the memory of this loving family will live on in the hearts of all who knew them.
