N242RE Aircraft Crash
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, at approximately 11:47 AM local time, a Mooney M20TN Acclaim (N242RE) tragically crashed near Almyra Road in White County, just 1.55 nautical miles southwest of Sparta-Upper Cumberland Regional Airport (KSRB) in Sparta, Tennessee. The high-performance single-engine aircraft was on a private flight from Alabaster-Shelby County Airport (KEET) in Alabama, and all three occupants aboard were fatally injured. Witnesses reported the aircraft descended rapidly and struck a creek bank before coming to rest in a nearby field. Weather at the time included overcast skies at 2,200 to 2,500 feet, visibility of 10 miles, and winds from 310° at 5 to 10 knots. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash, with investigators now analyzing flight data, environmental conditions, and the wreckage of the N242RE to determine contributing factors in this tragic incident.
N242RE Flight Details
The Mooney M20TN Acclaim is a high-performance, single-engine aircraft widely respected for its speed, efficiency, and range capabilities.
- Date: Saturday 26 April 2025
- Time: c. 11:47 LT
- Type: Mooney M20TN Acclaim
- Owner/Operator: Advanced Avionics LLC
- Registration: N242RE
- Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN): 31-0020
- Year of Manufacture: 2007
- Fatalities: 3
- Occupants: 3
- Maximum Capacity: 4 persons
- Cruising Speed: Approximately 230 knots (265 mph)
- Phase of Flight: Approach
- Location: 1,55 nm SW of Sparta-Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, TN (SRB/KSRB)
- Phase: Approach
- Nature: Private
- Departure airport: Alabaster-Shelby County Airport, AL (KEET)
- Destination airport: Sparta-Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, TN (KSRB)
The Mooney M20TN Acclaim is recognized in the aviation community for its exceptional cruise speed, making it one of the fastest single-engine piston aircraft available. It features a turbonormalized Continental TSIO-550-G engine, providing consistent power at higher altitudes. As a complex aircraft, the M20TN requires an advanced endorsement and current IFR proficiency for safe operation in IMC or marginal VMC conditions.
For more detailed information about this aircraft type, visit the official Mooney website.
To view the aircraft’s registration details, visit the FAA Aircraft Registry.
Three people died in a plane crash in Tennessee.
— Aviation (@Onyeabuo) April 27, 2025
A small single-engine plane, a Mooney M20TN Acclaim with the registration N242RE, crashed near Upper Cumberland Regional Airport in Sparta, Tennessee. All three people on board were killed. pic.twitter.com/4tHNG3FTST
Were You or Someone You Know Affected
Remembering Those Lost
Jonathan Braun
Jonathan Braun was a seasoned pilot and cherished friend. According to a tribute shared by a longtime friend, “Jon was a great guy and lived a lot of life before this tragedy.” His passion for aviation and dedication to flying were evident to all who knew him. Jonathan’s legacy lives on in the memories of those he touched throughout his life and career.
Dylan and Kelsie Davis
Dylan Clay Davis (31) and Kelsie Lynn Davis (32), high school sweethearts from Montevallo, Alabama, passed away together on April 26, 2025, in a tragic plane crash near Sparta, Tennessee. Married since 2016, they shared a beautiful life filled with adventure, love, and community—whether working on race cars, traveling with their Miata, or enjoying vintage markets and pizza nights. Their bond was one of true partnership and joy. A joint memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Jefferson State Community College Exhibition Hall in Clanton, Alabama, with visitation from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Clanton Humane Society, honoring their love and compassion.
Ongoing Investigation
The NTSB and FAA will investigate multiple factors to determine the cause of the crash:
Pilot’s Background
Reviewing flight history, training, and certification records
Assessing the pilot’s health and medical condition prior to the flight
Checking recent flight activity and approach procedures familiarity
Aircraft Condition
Inspecting maintenance records
Evaluating the structural integrity of the aircraft post-crash
Investigating potential mechanical failures, including engine and flight control systems
Environmental and External Factors
Reviewing weather conditions at the time of the flight
Checking if cloud cover, turbulence, or visibility issues played a role
Evaluating airspace conditions and possible approach challenges
Key Initial Findings
The aircraft impacted terrain approximately 1.55 NM southwest of the destination airport
Weather conditions at the time included an overcast cloud layer at 2,200-2,500 feet
The aircraft (N242RE) struck a creek bank along Almyra Road
Local authorities responded to the scene and secured the area pending NTSB arrival
Any cockpit voice recordings, ADS-B data, and communications with ATC will also be examined, if available. A preliminary NTSB report is expected within a few weeks and will provide additional details about the accident. You can follow the investigation progress on the NTSB Investigation Tracker.
For those interested in flight tracking data, services like FlightAware may have recorded N242RE’s final flight path.
Authorities have requested that any witnesses or individuals with relevant information contact the NTSB. Additionally, flight tracking data, any available communications, and eyewitness accounts will be used to help reconstruct the aircraft’s final moments.
Community Impact & Safety Considerations
The loss of three lives in this accident involving N242RE has deeply affected both the Tennessee and Alabama aviation communities. Pilots familiar with the Mooney M20TN type and its performance characteristics have been particularly interested in this accident. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of:
Thorough Pre-Flight Planning: Ensuring route, weather, and approach procedures are well understood
Weather Minimums Adherence: Maintaining appropriate personal minimums for ceiling and visibility
Approach Stabilization: Ensuring the aircraft is stabilized during approach phases
Terrain Awareness: Maintaining vigilance regarding surrounding terrain, especially in reduced visibility
Recurrent Training: Regular practice of approach procedures, especially in challenging conditions
High-performance aircraft like the Mooney M20TN N242RE require proper training and currency to operate safely, particularly during critical phases of flight such as approach and landing. Many pilots in the community are awaiting the NTSB’s findings to understand what factors may have contributed to this accident.
Statement from Authorities
Local authorities in White County have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and have pledged full cooperation with the NTSB and FAA as they conduct their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident involving N242RE.
The investigation is ongoing, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available from official sources. Pilots who may have observed N242RE in flight that day or who have experience with similar Mooney M20TN aircraft are encouraged to follow the investigation for valuable safety insights.
Note: All reported details are preliminary and based on witness reports or publicly available information. Official findings will be determined by the NTSB.
Contact Ramos Law
If you or a loved one has been affected by an aviation accident, Ramos Law’s team of aviation attorneys is here to help. With expertise in personal injury law and aviation-specific cases, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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