NASHVILLE, TENN. — A prominent aviation attorney is calling on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to scrutinize maintenance records after a deadly small-plane crash in Battle Ground, Washington — a case the NTSB has so far been unable to explain.

The crash, which killed the lone pilot on board a Cessna Skyhawk on September 26, has drawn national attention after the NTSB’s preliminary report listed the cause as “unknown.” But attorney Keith Williams, who has represented victims in dozens of high-profile aviation cases, says that’s not good enough.

“When a plane goes down without an immediate explanation, the first place investigators should look is the maintenance history,” said Williams, founder of the Keith Williams Law Group. “If there were no mechanical red flags, then communication logs between the pilot and tower should be reviewed. Right now, there are too many unanswered questions — and the public deserves answers.”

The Cessna had departed from Kelso, Washington, and was approaching Goheen Airport in Battle Ground when it lost control and crashed into a wooded area just west of the runway around 1:06 p.m. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the pilot was killed on impact.

Williams says it’s critical for the NTSB to take a more aggressive approach — both to bring closure to the victim’s family and to ensure public safety moving forward.

“This isn’t just about one crash. It’s about accountability and prevention,” Williams added.

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

 

 

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About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

 

NASHVILLE, TENN. — A nationally recognized aviation attorney is raising serious concerns about a fatal crash near Centennial Airport, questioning whether the single-engine aircraft was properly inspected before takeoff — and why the engine failed mid-flight without warning.

The crash, which occurred on September 5, claimed the lives of both pilots aboard a Beech P35 Bonanza during an instructional flight. According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the aircraft had been conducting multiple takeoffs and landings at Centennial Airport before it crashed near a generator and struck concrete barriers. Investigators confirmed the engine stopped during flight, but no distress call was ever made.

“Engine failure was the immediate cause — but that’s not where the investigation should end,” said Tennessee aviation attorney Keith Williams, who has represented families in numerous aircraft accident cases. “We need to know why the engine failed, and whether the aircraft was thoroughly inspected before departure. A pre-flight inspection isn’t optional — it’s a critical step in ensuring airworthiness.”

Williams says the lack of a distress call suggests the pilots may not have realized the engine was failing until it was too late — raising further questions about potential mechanical or maintenance issues.

“Every crash is a chain of preventable events,” Williams added. “If that chain began on the ground, the public deserves to know.”

The NTSB investigation is ongoing. No final determination has been made regarding maintenance records or potential contributing factors beyond engine failure.

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

 

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

NASHVILLE, TENN. — A well-known Tennessee aviation attorney says federal investigators will be looking closely at both pilot actions and mechanical factors as they try to determine what caused the small plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina that killed three people — including Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James.

The crash involved a 2016 Cirrus SR22T, which went down just 500 feet from the runway at the Macon County Airport on September 18, shortly after executing a go-around maneuver. The plane had departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville.

“This kind of crash often raises key questions about whether the aircraft experienced mechanical trouble during the final approach, or if the pilot misjudged the go-around,” said Keith Williams, a nationally recognized aviation attorney based in Nashville. “It’s too early to know what happened, but these are exactly the kinds of scenarios the NTSB and FAA will investigate in the coming weeks.”

Brett James, one of the three people killed in the crash, was a prolific country music songwriter whose credits include hits for Carrie Underwood (“Jesus Take The Wheel”), Kenny Chesney (“When The Sun Goes Down”), and Jessica Andrews (“Who I Am”).

The FAA and NTSB are currently investigating the crash, which occurred at 2:57 p.m. local time.

Williams, who has represented victims and families in numerous small aircraft and helicopter crashes across the U.S., says the investigation will likely focus on the pilot’s decision to abort the landing, weather conditions at the time, and the performance of the aircraft’s systems during descent.

“This is a heartbreaking loss, especially for the Nashville music community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. James’ family and the families of the two other crash victims,” Williams added. “But every crash also presents an opportunity to improve aviation safety and prevent future tragedies.”

In addition to his practice, Mr. Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

 

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About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

Keith Williams: Recent Crash Underscores Gaps in Pre-Flight Oversight, FAA Enforcement

NASHVILLE, TENN. (August 22, 2025) — Following the tragic plane crash in Lafayette County, Arkansas that killed a Tennessee pilot, nationally recognized aviation attorney Keith Williams is available to provide expert legal and safety insight for ongoing news coverage.

On August 17, a single-engine 2021 Lancair Super Barracuda en route from Austin, Texas to Chattanooga, Tennessee crashed near Bradley, Arkansas, killing the pilot—identified as a man from Ooltewah, Tennessee. The wreckage was located hours later by an Arkansas State Police helicopter, and the FAA and NTSB are currently investigating.

Williams regularly comments on aviation incidents and legal liability in aircraft accidents. His experience includes representing families affected by aviation disasters and advising on federal aviation regulations and investigative procedures.

He is available for interviews on:

• Aviation safety and risk factors in small aircraft
• FAA/NTSB investigation protocols
• Legal implications for victims’ families following a crash
• Trends in general aviation accident rates

Williams is also a member of the ABA’s Aviation and Space Law Committee and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (July 31, 2025) — Following the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) initial hearings into the January 29 mid-air collision that killed 67 people over Washington, D.C., aviation safety attorney Keith Williams is urging the U.S. Army to immediately retire helicopters equipped with outdated altimeters.

At the July 30 hearing, NTSB investigators revealed that the Army helicopter involved in the crash was flying well above its approved altitude. Tests showed its older barometric altimeter significantly misreported its true height—by as much as 130 feet—compared to newer, more accurate radio altimeters.

“This wasn’t pilot error. This was predictable—and preventable—equipment failure,” said Williams, founder of The Keith Williams Law Group and a nationally recognized aviation safety advocate. “Outdated technology in military aircraft doesn’t just endanger soldiers. It puts civilian lives at risk when flight paths overlap.”

The fatal collision occurred over the Potomac River when a military helicopter intersected the path of an American Airlines jet during final approach to Reagan National Airport. The crash has renewed scrutiny of how military and commercial aircraft share airspace near major cities.

“The military has a responsibility to modernize its fleet—not just for combat readiness, but for public safety,” Williams said. “Retiring these helicopters isn’t just the right call—it’s long overdue.”

Williams is also calling for stricter airspace separation protocols between military and commercial aircraft, pointing to a growing number of near-miss incidents tracked by the FAA in recent years.

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

Keith Williams: Crash Highlights Urgent Need for Stricter Pre-Flight Inspections

NASHVILLE, TENN. (June 10, 2025) — Following the crash of a plane carrying 20 skydivers at Tullahoma Regional Airport, noted aviation attorney Keith Williams is calling for tighter safety protocols and more rigorous pre-flight inspections for private aircraft.

The plane, a twin-engine DeHaviland DH-6 Twin Otter, went down shortly after takeoff on June 8, crashing into trees near the runway in Coffee County. Six people were seriously injured, with two airlifted and four transported by ambulance. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation.

Williams, who has represented victims in numerous aviation incidents, says the crash is a wake-up call for operators and regulators alike.

“When you have 20 people on a twin-engine aircraft—especially skydivers who are relying on that plane to get to altitude—there is zero margin for error,” Williams said. “Every private aircraft should undergo a full inspection before takeoff. No detail is too small.”

While no fatalities were reported, Williams warns that luck may have played a role this time.

“This could have easily been a mass casualty event,” he added. “It’s critical that we treat these flights with the same scrutiny as commercial aviation.”

Williams is available for comment on aviation safety, FAA oversight, and legal considerations following aircraft incidents.

In addition to his practice, Mr. Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

Media Contact:
Hank Russell
hrussell@theprmg.com
Work: (631) 310-5268; Cell: (516) 983-3890
Keith Williams Law Group – www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Aviation attorney Keith Williams, founder of the Keith Williams Law Group, is speaking out following the U.S. Justice Department’s recent agreement with Boeing regarding two fatal crashes involving the 737 Max aircraft. Williams asserts that the deal fails to deliver justice or closure to the families of the victims and allows Boeing to evade full accountability.

On May 24, 2025, the Justice Department announced an “agreement in principle” in which Boeing will pay over $1.1 billion in penalties, including $445 million allocated to the families of the 346 individuals killed in two separate crashes: one in Indonesia (October 2018) and the other in Ethiopia (March 2019).

Central to the controversy is Boeing’s failure to disclose to U.S. regulators the inclusion of new flight control software in the 737 Max, known as MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System), which automatically forced the aircraft’s nose downward under certain conditions. Crucially, pilots were not informed about the system and were unable to override it during the fatal incidents.

“While the company has to pay a hefty fine for their deceptive behavior, it will never alleviate the grief of the families who lost loved ones on those flights,” Williams said. “What is also galling is that the company will not be criminally prosecuted for failing to disclose the fact that they installed new software in the plane that the pilots were unable to override in catastrophic situations. I find Boeing’s actions to be underhanded and unconscionable.”

Keith Williams is recognized nationally for his expertise in aviation law. He is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association, and a past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, please contact:

Keith Williams Law Group
Phone: (615) 444-2900
Website: www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Aviation attorney Keith Williams of the Keith Williams Law Group emphasizes the need for further investigation before determining the cause of a fatal plane crash in White County, Tennessee.

On April 26, at approximately 11:47 a.m. local time, a Mooney M20TN Acclaim traveling from Alabaster-Shelby County Airport in Alabama to Sparta-Upper Cumberland Regional Airport in Tennessee tragically crashed near Almyra Road. All three individuals on board lost their lives.

Federal authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have launched an inquiry into the incident.

“It’s too early to determine the exact cause of the crash,” says Williams. “Investigators will assess factors such as pilot error and potential mechanical issues that may have occurred during descent. A full analysis will take time.”

Williams brings extensive expertise to aviation-related legal matters. He is the past chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section and a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee within the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Additionally, he is a former president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

 

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* Photo is attached.

 

About Keith Williams Law Group

With offices in downtown Nashville and Lebanon’s historic town square, Keith Williams Law Group advocates for clients seeking maximum compensation for injuries sustained in various accidents, including aviation incidents, car crashes, trucking accidents, defective products, and highway work zone collisions. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — With the recent rash of small plane crashes that have occurred — the most recent one in upstate New York — Keith Williams of the Keith Williams Law Group says that these private plane operators should take a more proactive approach to caring for their aircraft and checking for anything out of the ordinary. As for the most recent crash, Mr. Williams says it is too early to tell what happened.

On April 12, 2025 at approximately 12:06 p.m., a twin-engine, Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 transport plane left Westchester County Airport headed towards Columbia County Airport in Copake, New York, when it crashed into a field near Two Town Road, killing all six aboard. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot — who was not identified — overshot the runway. The air traffic controller tried three times to contact him and let him know of a low altitude alert, but was unsuccessful, the NTSB said.

The pilot, according to the NTSB, was very young and had his pilot’s license for a few years. The pilot had to rely on the instruments to navigate the aircraft which featured state-of-the-art avionics. The agency also noted the visibility worsened as the pilot approached their destination.

“It is difficult to determine at this time how much of it was pilot error,” Mr. Williams says. “Although this pilot had their license for a few years, it is hard to know if they had the experience to carry that many people onboard. So far, it looks like the plane was intact before the crash, so mechanical failure may not have played a role.”

In addition to his practice, Mr. Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.