A twin‑engine de Havilland Canada DHC‑6 Twin Otter carrying 20 people crashed shortly after takeoff near Tullahoma Regional Airport in Tennessee on Sunday afternoon, leaving several passengers injured but, remarkably, no fatalities. Local officials confirmed that the aircraft went down around 12:35 p.m. on June 8, 2025, in a grassy field off Old Shelbyville Road, roughly 75 miles southeast of Nashville.
According to Lyle Russell, spokesperson for the city of Tullahoma, the plane clipped tree branches as it climbed into the sky and then fell, breaking apart on impact. Emergency crews from Coffee County EMS, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and Tullahoma fire and rescue units reached the scene in minutes. They secured the wreckage, set up a perimeter with caution tape, and began treating the injured. Within the first hour, responders had stabilized all occupants and moved them to safety.
Four victims with more serious injuries went to nearby hospitals for further care. Two were taken by medical helicopter to trauma centers, and two others rode in ambulances. The remaining passengers received first aid at the crash site before being cleared to leave or taken for evaluation at local clinics. Officials described the injuries as varying from moderate to minor, with most people suffering cuts, bruises, or sprains. None were in critical condition late Sunday evening.
FAA investigators arrived at the field just after 2 p.m. and started a detailed on‑site review. They photographed the wreckage, measured damage to the fuselage and wings, and collected ground debris. Officials expect the inquiry to focus on possible engine trouble or pilot error in the moments after liftoff. The Twin Otter’s black‑box recorder will be examined in a lab to help pinpoint the cause. Investigators plan to release preliminary findings within 30 days, with a full report to follow months later.
The DHC‑6 Twin Otter has a reputation for reliability in tough conditions and operates with short takeoff and landing abilities. It measures nearly 52 feet long, spans 65 feet across its wings, and can fly up to 211 miles per hour at a ceiling of 25,000 feet. Pilots prize this model for its sturdy frame, full de‑icing gear, and performance on rough airstrips. On Sunday, the same features that make the Twin Otter popular on remote missions may have helped keep the plane largely intact and its passengers alive.
Local residents watched as fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles converged on the crash site next to the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. “I heard a loud thud and saw smoke rising,” said one witness. “Then I saw people walking away from the wreckage on their own.” Neighbors said morning showers had cleared by noon, leaving damp grass where the plane came to rest. Witnesses described a calm scene, with first responders moving methodically as they helped survivors and cleared debris.
Coffee County officials advised locals to steer clear of Old Shelbyville Road through Monday while crews remove aircraft parts and survey the area. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has set up detours, and drivers are urged to follow posted signs. In a joint statement, the city of Tullahoma and county leaders thanked emergency teams for their swift work and praised the skill of everyone who aided in the rescue. They noted that the lack of any loss of life reflects well on the training and readiness of local responders.
As the community absorbs the news, relatives of those on board have gathered at area hospitals and crisis centers. Counselors are available for anyone who needs support. The FAA has not yet identified any mechanical faults, and the airline has grounded other Twin Otters in its fleet pending the investigation. For now, aviation officials and local leaders will focus on finding out exactly what went wrong on that clear June afternoon and on helping the survivors recover from their ordeal.
