safety
NTSB: Piece of plane fell off after hitting tree, irrigation pipe before deadly crash in Middle TN
By Kassidy Brown at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 3, 2026
· 1 min read
MORRISON, Tenn. (WSMV) - The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report on the plane crash that left two brothers dead in Warren County last month.According to the preliminary report, the pilot’s wife told investigators the purpose of the June 17 flight was to reloca...
Key takeaway According to the preliminary report, the pilot’s wife told investigators the purpose of the June 17 flight was to relocate the plane from Basham Field to Warren County Memorial Airport in McMinnville.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the deadly plane crash in Warren County. As the investigation continues, local aviation communities in Middle Tennessee will be watching closely to see if any safety recommendations emerge from the NTSB's findings. The fact that the plane hit a small tree and an irrigation pipe during takeoff raises questions about the safety protocols in place at Basham Field, and whether similar hazards exist at other local airfields. The loss of two lives in this crash is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with general aviation, and the need for vigilance in ensuring that local airports and airfields are safe for pilots and passengers. The Warren County community, where the crash occurred, will likely be interested in learning more about the factors that contributed to this accident, and what steps can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MORRISON, Tenn. (WSMV) - The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report on the plane crash that left two brothers dead in Warren County last month.According to the preliminary report, the pilot’s wife told investigators the purpose of the June 17 flight was to reloca...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kassidy Brown at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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