A Tragic Plane Crash in Nashville: A Family’s Loss and the Investigation’s Findings

Introduction to the Tragedy

On March 4, 2024, a devastating plane crash in Nashville, Tennessee, claimed the lives of an Ontario family, leaving their community and loved ones in shock. Victor Dotsenko, a 43-year-old pilot, his wife Rimma, 39, and their three children—12-year-old David, 10-year-old Adam, and 7-year-old Emma—lost their lives in the tragic incident. The family, from King Township, Ontario, was on a cross-country journey in their Piper PA-32RT single-engine plane when the accident occurred. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has since released its final report, attributing the crash primarily to pilot error.

The family’s journey began in Ontario, with stops in Pennsylvania and Kentucky to refuel before attempting to land at Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport around 7:40 p.m. Tragically, the plane crashed just 4.8 kilometers south of the airport, near Interstate 40, behind a Costco store. The impact was so severe that the plane burst into flames, shocking motorists who witnessed the horrifying scene.

The Flight Path and the Crash

Victor, an experienced pilot, had meticulously planned the family’s trip, ensuring they made necessary stops to refuel. The Piper PA-32RT, a reliable single-engine aircraft, had no history of mechanical issues, and the NTSB confirmed that no faults were found with the plane. However, the investigation revealed a critical oversight: the fuel selector was in an incorrect position, stuck between the “off” setting and the left main tank position.

This mispositioning of the fuel selector starved the engine of fuel, leading to a loss of power at a critical moment. The NTSB concluded that Victor likely moved the fuel selector during the flight preparation for landing but failed to fully secure it in the correct position. As a result, the engine could not sustain power, and the plane plummeted to the ground, leaving insufficient time to glide to the runway.

The Final Moments: Communication with Air Traffic Control

As Victor approached Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport, he had aligned the plane with the runway and communicated with air traffic controllers. However, for reasons that remain unclear, he did not begin his descent and instead requested to circle the airport and approach the runway again. Moments later, the situation took a dire turn. When a controller asked if Victor still had the airport in sight, he responded that the engine had shut down.

The controller urged Victor to attempt a glide landing, clearing a runway for his emergency. However, Victor’s final transmission was laced with desperation: “I’m going to be landing, I don’t know where,” he said. When asked if he was attempting to land, he replied, “I’m too far away. I’m not going to make it.” These haunting words marked the last communication from the plane before it crashed.

Remembering the Family: A Community in Mourning

The loss of the Dotsenko family has left an indelible mark on their home community in Ontario. Victor was a well-respected member of the Brampton Flying Club, where he housed his plane. Tony Starcevic, a fellow club member, described Victor as a kind and intelligent man, saying, “It’s affected all of us at the field here. We never want to lose somebody. It’s a terrible tragedy.”

Rimma, Victor’s wife, was also cherished in her community. She worked at Regal Crest Homes in Vaughan, Ontario, where her colleagues remembered her as a wonderful person and dedicated employee. Her children, David, Adam, and Emma, were beloved by all who knew them, often visiting their mother’s workplace and leaving a lasting impression on those around them. The loss of such a vibrant and loving family has been deeply felt by everyone who knew them.

Reflections on Aviation Safety and Pilot Error

The NTSB’s findings highlight the importance of vigilance and precision in aviation. While mechanical failures are rare, human error remains a critical factor in many accidents. Victor, though experienced, made a mistake that ultimately proved fatal. The investigation serves as a sobering reminder of the meticulous attention to detail required in piloting, even for seasoned aviators.

The tragedy also underscores the need for continued training and awareness in aviation safety. Pilots must be reminded of the importance of double-checking critical systems, especially during high-stakes moments like takeoff and landing. While the crash was devastating, it offers valuable lessons that could prevent similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion: Honoring a Family’s Legacy

The Dotsenko family’s tragic loss has left a void in the lives of their loved ones and community. Victor, Rimma, and their children were more than just victims of a plane crash; they were a family full of life, love, and promise. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we hold dear.

As the aviation community reflects on this tragedy, it is hoped that their legacy will not be defined solely by the circumstances of their death but by the joy they brought to those around them. The Dotsenko family will always be remembered for their love, resilience, and the impact they left on the lives they touched. Rest in peace.