A small single-engine airplane with three passengers crashed into trees along the 800 block of E Clark Blvd. in Murfreesboro, after attempting an emergency landing. All three passengers (two males, one female) survived with minor injuries and were hospitalized.

The pilot attempted to land at Murfreesboro airport but fell short, crashing into a tree line 30 feet off the road. The pilot’s decision to steer away from homes and businesses and aim for an open field likely minimized harm, with tree branches cushioning the impact.

The FAA will investigate, interviewing the pilot and analyzing the black box to determine the cause of the emergency.