KILL DEVIL HILLS – Tragic Plane Crash Claims Five Lives
In what can only be described as a heart-wrenching incident, a plane crash in Kill Devil Hills last month has left the community in shock, mourning the loss of five people, including a young child. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report this week detailing the events leading up to the accident, and the findings are troubling.
Details of the Flight
The ill-fated flight took off on September 28 from Moore County Airport in Carthage, North Carolina, and was part of a multi-leg journey. The plane had intended to make stops at Ocracoke Island Airport and Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo before heading to the First Flight Airport in Kill Devil Hills. In total, it was supposed to be a scenic day for the passengers.
The aircraft, a single-engine Cirrus SR22, had just filled up with 44 gallons of fuel before taking off from Manteo. After eight minutes in the air, things took a turn. Notably, the pilot did not issue any mayday calls before the crash, leaving many with unanswered questions.
A Troubling Approach
The NTSB report indicates that the pilot entered the left traffic pattern for runway 21 at the First Flight Airport. However, this raised a red flag, as the published airport traffic pattern for that runway was meant to be a right-hand pattern. It seems that the pilot had a different plan in mind.
After initially abandoning the landing attempt and flying over the runway, the pilot made another approach. Witnesses described the plane as being high and fast during this second attempt. The NTSB noted that as the aircraft passed the halfway point of the runway, it executed a steep left turn, tragically impacting a line of 50-foot-tall trees before crashing into the woods at 5:18 p.m. The aftermath was devastating — debris scattered everywhere, and unfortunately, there were no survivors.
The Victims
Among the victims were a married couple from Southern Pines, North Carolina, Jason Ray Campbell, 43, and Kate McAllister Neely, 39. Additionally, 31-year-old Shashwat Ajit Adhikari from Silver Spring, Maryland, and 44-year-old Matthew Arthur Fassnacht from Marietta, Georgia were also onboard. The NTSB has yet to release any details about the young child who lost their life in this tragic event.
A Familiar Location
The First Flight Airport holds a significant place in aviation history, marking the area where Orville and Wilbur Wright conducted their first powered flight on December 17, 1903. However, it has also seen its share of aviation-related tragedies. According to NTSB records, this unfortunate occurrence marks the 11th aircraft crash at this airport over the past 40 years, with the last fatal incident reported back in 1984.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The NTSB will continue its investigation, aiming to piece together the series of events that led to this devastating crash. They expect to complete their inquiries over the coming months. In the meantime, anyone who may have additional information is encouraged to reach out to the NTSB via email.
Community Mourning
As Kill Devil Hills recovers from this tragedy, the community is reminded of the fragility of life. Residents are banding together, offering support to bereaved families and honoring the memory of those who perished in the crash. Our thoughts and condolences go out to everyone affected by this heartbreaking event.
