Plane Crashes Inches from Chattanooga Road, Passengers Lucky To Walk Away

A small plane crash near Chattanooga Airport on November 19 left two people “very lucky” to walk away with minor injuries. The incident occurred just before 6 p.m., when the engine of a Cessna Skyhawk reportedly failed, forcing the aircraft to crash-land about half a mile from the nearest runway.

The crash happened near the intersection of Shallowford Road and Airport Road, west of the airport and close to Lakewood Memorial Gardens cemetery. The pilot managed to avoid traffic on Shallowford Road, guiding the aircraft to a roadside area where it ultimately came to rest on its side.

First responders arrived to find one individual already out of the plane. Firefighters used cutting tools to free the second victim, removing portions of the aircraft to extricate them. Both occupants were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The Chattanooga Fire Department also contained a small fuel leak at the crash site, preventing further hazards. Local authorities have closed a section of Shallowford Road until further notice, urging drivers to avoid the area.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the cause of the crash.