N28DR Piper J3C-65 Cub Aviation Accident 2025-24-06
FATAL ACCIDENT (1) - Privately owned Piper J3C-65 Cub, N28DR, near Dunlap, TN, June 24, 2025.
Interactive Map
Accident Information
| Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fat. | Aircraft Inj. | Ground Fat. | Ground Inj. | ASN Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35°20'20.41"N, 85°22'56.03"W | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Aviation Safety Network |
1Aircraft Information
| Type | Operator | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piper J3C-65 Cub | Private | N28DR | 21010 | 1945 |
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Videos
JUST IN: 2 people were injured in a small plane crash in Dunlap Tuesday night, according to Police Chief Randy Phillips.
More: https://t.co/KBYceKuGxf pic.twitter.com/WW3Jc8Q3E1— WTVC NewsChannel 9 (@newschannelnine) June 25, 2025
ASX Accident Report
A 1945 Piper J3C-65 Cub, tail number N28DR, crashed in a field near Ridge Road in Dunlap, Tennessee on the evening of Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The aircraft was on approach to a private grass airstrip when it went down around 6:25 p.m. On board were 79-year-old pilot Wendall Trimble and his passenger, 55-year-old Ashnish Sircar. First responders from Sequatchie County Emergency Services found the aircraft heavily damaged upon arrival. Both occupants were transported to local hospitals; Trimble was later pronounced dead, while Sircar remained in critical condition.
Initial details from the FAA and NTSB suggest the aircraft was conducting a routine landing at the time of the crash. Witnesses reported seeing the Cub flying at a low altitude moments before impact. The aircraft came down in daylight under visual meteorological conditions, with no indication of fire or in-flight distress. Ground impact marks indicate a steep descent angle, and structural damage was concentrated on the right wing and forward fuselage. The crash occurred less than a mile from the intended landing site, a privately maintained strip believed to be owned or operated by the pilot.
Federal investigators are now examining the wreckage and collecting evidence to determine the sequence of events leading to the crash. The investigation will focus on potential mechanical failure, approach speed and path, pilot qualifications and medical status, as well as maintenance history of the aircraft. Due to the age of the airframe, structural fatigue and legacy system performance are also under review. A preliminary report is expected within the next 21 days, with a final ruling on probable cause to follow.
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Tracking and Social Media
- Flight Tracking: flightradar24, FlightAware, ADS-B Exchange, AirNav Radar
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube
Sources and References
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