A tragic small plane crash in Sequatchie County, Tennessee has claimed the life of one man and left another seriously injured. The crash occurred on the evening of Tuesday, June 24, 2025, when a Piper J3C-65 single-engine aircraft went down near Ridge Road in the town of Dunlap.
Details of the Crash
According to reports, the crash was reported at approximately 6:25 p.m. The aircraft was attempting to land when it crashed into a field. Authorities identified Wendall Trimble, 79, as the pilot, who tragically died. The passenger, Ashnish Sircar, 55, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The plane, a vintage 1945 Piper J3C-65, suffered significant damage to its right wing. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed that a preliminary report will be released within three weeks, with a final report expected in approximately 18 months.
Investigating the Causes of Small Aircraft Accidents
The NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are currently reviewing potential factors that may have contributed to the accident, including:
- Mechanical failure or maintenance issues on the vintage aircraft
- Pilot error or misjudgment during approach or landing
- Environmental or weather conditions
- Aircraft design limitations, especially for older planes like the Piper J3C-65
Older aircraft, particularly those built in the mid-20th century, must meet modern safety standards through diligent upkeep, inspections, and pilot familiarity. Any lapse in mechanical upkeep or training can lead to tragic consequences.
Legal Implications in Fatal Aviation Accidents
Small plane crashes like this one often raise complex legal issues, especially when involving vintage aircraft and multiple parties. Surviving victims or families of those killed may have grounds to pursue legal action under several theories, including:
- Negligent maintenance or inspection
- Improper flight planning or operation
- Manufacturer liability (if defective parts contributed)
- Airport or airspace communication issues
If the aircraft was maintained by a third-party mechanic, owned by a flight club, or used for training purposes, additional entities may bear legal responsibility.
Steps for Families After a Small Plane Crash
Families dealing with the aftermath of an aviation accident should consider taking the following steps:
- Request copies of the FAA and NTSB reports as they become available.
- Preserve evidence, such as maintenance logs, photos, and witness information.
- Refrain from speaking with insurance investigators without legal representation.
- Consult with aviation accident attorneys experienced in small aircraft litigation.
An experienced legal team can help determine liability and pursue justice on behalf of victims and their families.
Contact the Aviation Accident Attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent victims of private aircraft and general aviation accidents across the United States. Our attorneys understand the unique technical and legal issues involved in investigating small plane crashes.
📞 Call us today at 713-804-9306 for a free and confidential consultation.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a plane crash, our legal team is ready to investigate the cause, hold negligent parties accountable, and help you pursue compensation for your loss.