News Summary

A plane crash in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, has resulted in the tragic loss of five lives. The Cirrus SR22 aircraft was involved in a catastrophic accident near the Wright Brothers National Memorial on September 28, raising concerns regarding pilot error and safety procedures. The community is left mourning the victims, including a young child, while investigations are underway to understand the cause of the crash.

KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. – Tragic Plane Crash Claims Five Lives

In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken the small coastal community of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, a plane crash near the iconic Wright Brothers National Memorial has resulted in the loss of five lives. The accident occurred on September 28, just after 5:18 p.m., when a Cirrus SR22 aircraft approached First Flight Airport under alarming circumstances.

Pilot Error Behind the Crash

According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot was navigating the aircraft with a concerning approach. The report detailed that the pilot was flying the plane “high and fast,” a combination that set the stage for disaster. As the aircraft flew above the runway without landing initially, there was a drastic decision to abandon the approach and re-enter the left traffic pattern for runway 21—despite a standard right-hand pattern for landings.

Eyewitnesses reported that, on the second approach, the plane remained perilously high and fast, ultimately leading to a steep left turn that had devastating consequences. Tragically, the aircraft struck a cluster of 50-foot-tall trees, which resulted in a catastrophic crash and a fierce fire at the crash site.

The Victims

All five individuals on board sadly succumbed to the accident. Those who lost their lives include:

Shashwat Ajit Adhikari, 31, of Silver Spring, Md.

Jason Ray Campbell, 43, of Southern Pines, N.C.

Kate McAllister Neely, 39, of Southern Pines, N.C.

Matthew Arthur Fassnacht, 44, of Marietta, Ga.

An unnamed 6-year-old child.

The aircraft had embarked from Moore County Airport in Carthage, N.C., with brief stops at Ocracoke Island Airport and Dare County Regional Airport before arriving in Kill Devil Hills. The loss of life is a profound tragedy for families and friends, leaving a dark cloud over the local community.

Conditions and Investigation

At the time of the crash, wind conditions were moderate, roughly 7 miles per hour with gusts up to 16 miles per hour. Remarkably, no mayday or distress calls were made by the pilot before the incident unfolded. In a bid to understand how and why the crash occurred, investigators have already recovered key wreckage from the site, including a flight data recorder. The NTSB anticipates that the investigation will take several months to complete, aiming for a clear understanding of this tragic event.

A History of Accidents

The First Flight Airport holds a history dotted with aircraft accidents. Over the past 40 years, the airport has witnessed 11 crashes, with the last fatal incident occurring back in 1984. Established in 1928, this airport is significant, commemorating the Wright brothers’ first powered flight on December 17, 1903. The recent crash highlights the ongoing concerns about safety and procedures at this historic location.

Our Hearts Go Out

As Kill Devil Hills comes to terms with this tragic loss, the community rallies together to support the affected families. In moments like these, it’s important to remember the lives that were lost and the countless memories they leave behind. The hope is that, through thorough investigation and understanding, safety improvements will follow, ensuring that such a heartbreak does not occur again.