On Saturday, September 28, 2024, a fatal plane crash occurred in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina at the First Flight Airport, located within the Wright Brothers National Memorial. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has verified that four adults and one child, all occupants of a single-engine Cirrus SR22 plane, were killed in the crash, which happened around 5 p.m. during a landing attempt.
Witnesses reported to the National Park Service that the plane crashed into a forested region close to the airport and immediately burst into flames. Images circulated on Outer Banks Facebook groups depicted plumes of smoke extending miles above the treetops.
Fire departments from Kill Devil Hills and neighboring regions swiftly reached the crash site and extinguished the fire. However, the destruction was already extensive. Drone footage taken the following day showed the extent of the wreckage, obscured by the area’s dense tree cover.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the crash. The precise cause of the accident remains undetermined, but investigators are gathering evidence and conducting interviews to ascertain what led to the crash.
The ill-fated flight had originated from Pinehurst, NC and had made stops in Ocracoke and Manteo before the crash.
This incident is not the first aviation accident to occur at or near the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Over the years, the memorial has witnessed multiple aviation-related incidents, including minor crashes and emergency landings in the past.
The aircraft involved in the crash, a Cirrus SR22, is a single-engine plane renowned for its advanced safety features, including an integrated parachute system. The plane was registered to Pantheon Aviation LLC, a private owner. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed. The investigation into the crash is anticipated to continue for several weeks.
