Pilot error likely caused Nashville plane crash that killed Ontario family: NTSB

A Tragic Plane Crash in Nashville: The Loss of an Ontario Family

On March 4, 2024, a devastating small plane crash in Nashville, Tennessee, claimed the lives of an entire Ontario family, leaving their community in shock and grief. Victor Dotsenko, his wife Rimma, and their three children—David, Adam, and Emma—were on a journey that ended in tragedy when their Piper PA-32RT single-engine plane crashed just moments away from their intended destination, Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) later concluded that pilot error was the most likely cause of the crash, shedding light on the final moments of this heartbreaking incident.

The Final Flight: A Desperate Struggle to Land

The family had departed from Ontario, making stops in Pennsylvania and Kentucky to refuel before heading to Nashville. As they approached John C. Tune Airport around 7:40 p.m., Victor Dotsenko, an experienced pilot, encountered unforeseen challenges. The plane crashed near Interstate 40, bursting into flames in a grassy area behind a Costco store, about 4.8 kilometers south of the airport. Witnesses described the scene as terrifying, with motorists stopping in disbelief as the plane went down in flames. The NTSB’s investigation revealed no mechanical issues with the aircraft, but the fuel selector was found in a position between the “off” setting and the left main tank, a critical detail that would play a central role in understanding the tragedy.

A Pilot’s Fatal Mistake: Fuel Starvation and Desperation

The NTSB’s final report highlighted that the position of the fuel selector was likely the result of Victor Dotsenko’s attempt to switch tanks in preparation for landing. This setting restricted fuel flow to the engine, causing it to lose power at a critical moment. “It is likely that the pilot moved the fuel selector at some point during the overflight and approach but failed to fully seat the selector in position, resulting in a restricted fuel flow that was less than that needed to sustain engine power,” the agency concluded. With insufficient altitude to glide to the runway, the plane plummeted, leaving Victor with no option but to attempt an emergency landing. In his final transmissions, Victor’s desperation was evident. “I’m going to be landing, I don’t know where,” he said. When a controller urged him to try to glide to the runway, Victor replied, “I’m too far away. I’m not going to make it.”

A Beloved Family: A Life of Love, Work, and Aviation

Victor Dotsenko, 43, was a member of the Brampton Flying Club in Ontario, where he stored his plane in a hangar. Friends and fellow aviation enthusiasts described him as a kind and intelligent man who was deeply passionate about flying. “It’s affected all of us at the field here,” said Tony Starcevic, a member of the club. “We never want to lose somebody.… It’s a terrible tragedy.” Rimma, 39, was a dedicated employee of Regal Crest Homes in Vaughan, Ontario, where she was remembered as a wonderful person and colleague. Her children—David, 10, Adam, 7, and Emma, 12—were bright and full of life, often visiting their mother’s workplace and bringing joy to everyone they met. The loss of this young family left an indelible mark on their community, a testament to the profound impact they had on those who knew them.

Mechanics of the Tragedy: A Technical Look at the Crash

While the NTSB found no mechanical faults with the aircraft, the position of the fuel selector proved to be the critical factor in the crash. The Piper PA-32RT, a reliable single-engine plane, relies on proper fuel management during flight. The fuel selector allows the pilot to switch between fuel tanks to balance fuel consumption. However, if the selector is not properly aligned, it can restrict fuel flow, leading to engine failure. In this case, Victor Dotsenko’s attempt to switch tanks during the approach likely caused the engine to starve for fuel, resulting in a loss of power. The NTSB’s findings underscore the importance of precise actions during critical phases of flight, such as landing, where even the smallest mistake can have catastrophic consequences.

A Lasting Legacy: Remembering the Dotsenko Family

As the investigation into the crash concluded, the Dotsenko family’s loved ones and community continue to grapple with the loss of five lives cut short in an instant. The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in aviation, even for experienced pilots like Victor. It also highlights the resilience of a family that touched the lives of so many, leaving behind memories of love, laughter, and a shared passion for flying. While the crash may have been caused by human error, it does not diminish the enduring legacy of the Dotsenko family—a legacy of kindness, dedication, and the pursuit of their dreams. In the words of those who knew them, they will never be forgotten.