Plane crashes at the Elizabethton Airport with passengers heading for the NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway
Dale Earnhardt Jr and others were involved in a plane crash at the Elizabethton Airport in Carter County, Tennessee late this afternoon. The plane was privately owned.
Dale Earnhardt Jr was on his way to the Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. He’ll work as a member of the broadcast team in addition to his role as NASCAR Xfinity Series team owner.
Airport Manager Dan Cogan stated that the place ran off the end of the runway. It them rolled on it’s side just before reaching the highway.
Upon reaching the end of the pavement, the plane also caught fire.
Highway 91 at Industrial Drive was closed as emergency crews responded to the scene.
Elizabethton Fire Chief Barry Carrier announced that Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his wife Amy Earnhardt were of those on the aircraft.
The fire chief that all passengers were able to escape the plane without injury. However, it has also been reported that Dale Jr was transported to a local hospital.
At this time, it’s unclear who the other passengers on the plane were. Additionally, we’ve yet to hear directly from any of the people involved in the crash.
This is a developing story. Any updates will be posted below upon release.
Plane Crash Updates
4:30pm ET: It has since been reported that five people were on the plane. Those include; Dale Earnhardt Jr; Amy Earnhardt; their daughter and two pilots.
4:35pm ET: The plane came to a stop in a small pool of water at the end of the runway. The fire was caused due to a fuel leak. Police report that some 1,000 gallons of fuel was on-board the aircraft.
4:42pm ET: “I can confirm Dale, Amy & Isla along with his two pilots were involved in a crash in Bristol TN this afternoon,” Kelley Earnhardt confirmed via twitter.
“Everyone is safe and has been taken to the hospital for further evaluation. We have no further information at this time. Thank you for your understanding,” Kelley Earnhardt concluded via twitter.
5:00pm ET: The family dog Gus was also on the plane.
5:15pm ET: Serious injuries are reported to have been escaped per police. Cuts and abrasions are the extent of injury.
Dale Eaenhardt Jr
Plane Crash Video
A collection of videos from the scene are posted below. Trouble viewing the videos below? Try clicking this link.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr | Elizabethton Airport | NASCAR | Bristol Motor Speedway
