THREE DEAD AFTER SMALL PLANE CRASH NEAR SPARTA, TENNESSEE AIRPORT

Three individuals tragically lost their lives on Saturday when a small plane crashed approximately one mile south of the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport in Sparta, Tennessee. The incident occurred around noon local time, according to officials from the airport and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The single-engine MOONEY M20TN aircraft was on its approach to the airport when the crash took place. All three passengers on board were confirmed dead by airport officials, though their identities have not yet been released.

The FAA is currently at the scene investigating the incident, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is en route to take the lead in the investigation.

This tragic event comes just days after another aviation accident involving a renowned stunt pilot. ROB HOLLAND, a celebrated aviation performer, died on Thursday after his plane crashed during an attempted landing at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. According to NTSB air safety investigator DAN BOGGS, Holland was the sole occupant of the aircraft and was not performing any stunts at the time of the crash. The airfield was closed during the incident, and military operations remained unaffected.

Both incidents are under thorough investigation by the FAA and NTSB, as authorities work to determine the causes of these devastating crashes.

Sources:
[Fox News Digital](https://www.foxnews.com)
[Federal Aviation Administration](https://www.faa.gov)
[National Transportation Safety Board](https://www.ntsb.gov)