DEKALB COUNTY, Tenn. — A small plane crash near Center Hill Lake on Tuesday afternoon resulted in only minor injuries for the pilot. Authorities responded quickly to the scene after a fisherman reported witnessing the crash around 3:53 p.m.
The incident involved an ICON A5, a single-engine amphibious aircraft capable of landing on both water and land. The plane was attempting to land on the water near the north end of Holmes Creek when it crashed. Fortunately, there were no fires or hazardous spills reported as a result of the accident.
James Luna, the pilot of the aircraft, was able to exit the plane without assistance. Although he sustained minor injuries, he did not require medical transportation. Luna was assisted by the fisherman who witnessed the crash and was able to board the boat to safety.
Local authorities were quick to respond to the scene, including the DeKalb County Fire Department, the Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, and the DeKalb County Emergency Medical Service. Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency were also involved in the response effort.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified of the crash, and an investigation into the incident is expected to take place to determine the cause.
The quick response from local emergency services and the relatively minor injuries sustained by Luna were seen as positive outcomes from an otherwise unfortunate situation.
