Two Brothers Killed in Cessna 177RG Crash Near Morrison, Tenn.

Two brothers were killed Wednesday afternoon when their Cessna 177RG Cardinal, registration N7637V, crashed in a wooded area near Morrison, Tenn. The aircraft had departed from a private airstrip in the Viola community shortly before the accident, according to local authorities.

Emergency responders received a 911 call at approximately 12:19 p.m. reporting a downed aircraft in a cornfield and wooded area near Doyle Frazier Road, behind Morrison Industries in the Morrison Industrial Park. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. According to WZTV FOX 17 and the Aviation Safety Network, the aircraft was destroyed on impact.

Investigation Underway

Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft struck a tree shortly after takeoff. Investigators believe the pilot attempted to divert to Warren County Memorial Airport but was unable to reach the facility. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have opened a formal investigation. The Cessna 177RG is a single-engine, four-seat aircraft equipped with retractable landing gear, widely used for personal and recreational flying.