(Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Casey Cox/ Sgt. Gary Howard, Public Information Officer)
Press Release:
On May 25, 2021 at approximately 7:52 a.m. (CST) First responders were alerted to a possible single engine plane crash by Roane County 911. Multiple agencies responded to assist in the search.
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office
Cumberland County Fire Department
Crossville Fire Department
Cumberland County Rescue Squad
Crossville/Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency
Tennessee Highway Patrol Special Ops
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
UT Lifestar
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
Cumberland County EMS
Roane County EMA
Tennessee Wildlife Agency
Roane County Sheriff’s Office
It was determined that no known flight plan was filed and the reason of the crash is unknown at this time. Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputies secured the crash site until FAA Investigators arrived to conduct an investigation into the cause of the crash.
The plane was piloted by Vasile Ghelan, 35 of Knoxville. The single engine plane #N26889 was based out of Knoxville Downtown Island Home Airport and was a private plane with a flight school. Mr. Ghelan was found deceased at the crash site. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends. Sgt. Gary Howard,Public Information Officer
(Photo courtesy Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office)