On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, a small plane crashed in Franklin, Tennessee, killing all three people on board. The accident occurred just after 12 noon near Bending Chestnut Road and Davis Hollow Road, as confirmed by Williamson County Fire/Rescue on Facebook.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the aircraft as a single-engine Beechcraft V35 that had departed from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, heading to Louisville, Kentucky. The plane reportedly experienced an in-flight breakup, spreading debris over a mile-long area. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident.
In a press briefing, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mark Elrod confirmed the tragic news. “It was quickly evident that this would be a search-and-recovery operation, not a search-and-rescue operation,” Elrod stated. He described the debris field as more than a mile long, adding, “We’re unsure exactly where the crash started and ended.”
First responders were alerted to the crash following a 911 call from a resident who reported hearing an explosion and seeing debris. Jill Burgin, a spokesperson for the Williamson County Emergency Management Agency, shared details of the call, stating, “He mentioned a potential plane crash but lacked further specifics.” Upon arrival, emergency personnel found no survivors.
The crash victims included the pilot, Baton Rouge plastic surgeon Dr. Lucius “Tre” Doucet, and two of his three adult children, Giselle and Jean Luc. Giselle Doucet studied veterinary medicine at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, and Jean Luc was an engineering student at LSU. Both were set to graduate this weekend. A family member told the local media that aviation was Dr. Doucet’s favorite hobby. He leaves behind one surviving child.
Chief Deputy Mark Elrod noted that residents in the area had reported debris on their properties, although no structures were damaged. “The debris field is quite extensive,” he stated. “Given its size, we can’t determine exactly where the crash began or ended.”
The NTSB will examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, the pilot’s flight records, and any possible weather-related factors as part of the investigation. The Beechcraft V35 involved in the crash was manufactured in 1966 and registered to Dr. Doucet in January of this year.
Todd Horton, director of the Williamson County Emergency Management Agency, expressed his condolences in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the family members of the victims,” Horton said. “Additional comments will be provided by or in coordination with NTSB officials as necessary.”
The crash site is located near Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, about 30 miles south of Nashville. Local authorities have urged people to avoid the area to allow investigators to do their work.