A small plane carrying a family of four tragically crashed in a field in Lee County, North Carolina, on Monday, July 7. According to ABC 11 News, three family members died at the scene, while the fourth succumbed to injuries at UNC Hospital. The family was returning home from a beach trip when the crash occurred around 2 p.m. near the Raleigh Executive Jetport.
On board the Cirrus SR22T were a man, his wife, and their two young children. Authorities confirmed that all four victims were family members. The plane was located in a field between Wallace Creek Lane and Riddle Road.
Who Were the Victims?
The victims have been identified as Travis Buchanan, 35; Candace Buchanan, 35; Aubrey Buchanan, 10; and Walker Buchanan, 9.
The aircraft involved was a Cirrus SR22T, a small single-engine plane. The FAA and NTSB are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Details regarding the cause remain unclear, as no weather alerts were active at the time, and the aircraft was not being monitored by air traffic control.
This incident is not isolated; authorities reported a recent small plane crash involving a Cessna carrying skydivers in New Jersey. That aircraft had run off the runway at Cross Keys Airport, leaving five individuals injured and requiring medical care at Cooper University Hospital in Camden.
Wendy Marano, a spokesperson for the hospital, confirmed that their trauma team responded to the situation but did not provide specific details on the injuries. Terminal staff at the airport directed reporters to contact the skydiving company for further information.
This North Carolina plane crash highlights the ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety as investigations continue into both incidents.
