Tragic Plane Crash in Kill Devil Hills Results in Five Fatalities

Tragic Plane Crash Claims Five Lives in Kill Devil Hills

Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina – A heartbreaking incident unfolded near the iconic Wright Brothers National Memorial when a small plane crashed, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives, including a young child. The aircraft, a Cirrus SR22, went down in a wooded area adjacent to the memorial’s First Flight Airport on Saturday, September 28, around 5:55 p.m.

Identities of the Victims Confirmed

Authorities have identified the four adults who perished in the crash as Shashwat Ajit Adhikari, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Jason Ray Campbell, 43, of Southern Pines; Kate McAllister Neely, 39, also of Southern Pines; and Matthew Arthur Fassnacht, 44, of Marietta, Georgia. Unfortunately, the identity of the young child, who was also aboard, has not been released.

Eyewitness Accounts

Witnesses at the scene described a series of events that, while unfolding in an instant, will remain etched in their memories forever. Nadia Popruzhenko, one of the onlookers, recalled the moments leading up to the crash. “At the beginning, I thought he was really high, and all of a sudden, he just went down a little too quick,” she stated. “It was too low.” People nearby had reported seeing the plane approach the airstrip but soon realized something was awry as it lost altitude rapidly.

The Incident

The First Flight Airstrip, where the accident occurred, features a 3,000-foot long and 60-foot wide asphalt runway, nestled right next to the memorial and separated by small patches of trees. According to park officials, the plane was reportedly attempting to land at the airport when it crashed, igniting a fire that consumed the aircraft upon impact. “Following the crash, a fire ensued that caused the airplane to burn,” they explained in a news release.

Investigation Underway

The somber aftermath of the crash has led to the Wright Brothers National Memorial being closed to the public, along with the airport, as investigations ensue led by the National Transportation Safety Board along with local authorities. Just a stone’s throw away from the crash site, the memorial commemorates the location where the Wright brothers achieved the world’s very first powered flight, a landmark event in aviation history.

Community in Mourning

This heart-wrenching event has left the local community in shock and mourning. The Outer Banks is known for being a destination filled with history and adventure, and on this day, it became a site of profound sorrow. Visitors to the memorial who had arrived to celebrate the legacy of the Wright brothers are now grappling with the weight of this tragic incident, reflecting on the fragility of life.

Support for Families Affected

As the community wraps its arms around those affected, the focus now shifts to supporting the families and friends of the victims during this unimaginably difficult time. Many in the area are reaching out, offering condolences and assistance however they can.

The days ahead will reveal more details as investigators piece together what led to this tragic accident. While we await more news, let us come together in our shared humanity, remembering the lives lost in this unfortunate turn of events.