A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on Monday evening as a small plane crashed next to Interstate 40 in Nashville, claiming the lives of a family of five from Canada. The pilot was identified as Victor Dotsenko, 43, and his passengers were his wife Rimma, 39, and their three children, David, 12, Adam, 10, and Emma, 7. The family, who resided in King Township, Ontario, had strong ties to the community and were described as beloved members of the UMCA Rich Tree Academy family.

The flight originated in Ontario and made stops in Pennsylvania and Kentucky before attempting to land in Nashville at dusk. NTSB investigator Aaron McCarter revealed that Victor Dotsenko radioed air traffic controllers about an engine failure and ultimately could not make a safe landing. Witnesses described the harrowing scene as the plane plunged to the ground at a 45-degree angle, igniting a massive fireball upon impact.

The tragic loss of the Dotsenko family has left the community reeling, with King Township Mayor Steve Pellegrini offering condolences and gratitude to first responders. The UMCA Rich Tree Academy also expressed profound sadness and grief over the loss of the three children, who were described as bright lights within the school.

As the investigation into the crash continues, the NTSB is working to determine the cause of the engine failure and subsequent crash. The wreckage has been transported to a facility for further analysis, with a preliminary report expected in the coming days. The full report may take up to nine months to complete. The devastating impact of this tragedy has reverberated through both the local community and the school where the children were cherished members.