On the evening of Saturday, September 28, 2024, a tragic plane crash occurred near the Wright Brothers National Memorial’s First Flight Airport in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, resulting in the loss of five lives, including a 6-year-old child. The single-engine Cirrus SR22 aircraft went down around 5:55 p.m. in a wooded area adjacent to the memorial. Eyewitnesses reported that the airplane was attempting to land at the airport when it crashed and subsequently caught fire.
The victims were identified as Shashwat Ajit Adhikari, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Jason Ray Campbell, 43, and Kate McAllister Neely, 39, both from Southern Pines, North Carolina; Matthew Arthur Fassnacht, 44, of Marietta, Georgia; and a 6-year-old child whose name was not released.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an investigation into the incident. According to NTSB Aviation Accident Investigator Ryan Enders, the aircraft was on a multileg flight from Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo and was attempting to land at First Flight Airport. Witnesses observed the plane approach the runway, circle, and then veer into the trees, where it caught fire. Notably, there were no distress calls made before the crash.
A preliminary report was expected to be released approximately ten days after the incident, with a more comprehensive report and determination of probable cause to follow. The crash and subsequent fire destroyed most of the cockpit equipment, potentially complicating the investigation.
The First Flight Airport, located about 75 miles southeast of Norfolk, Virginia, holds historical significance as the site where Orville and Wilbur Wright conducted their first powered flight on December 17, 1903. The airport features a single asphalt runway, measuring 3,000 feet in length and 60 feet in width, and is situated adjacent to the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, David Hallac, superintendent of the Outer Banks Group, extended condolences to the families and friends of the victims. He also acknowledged the swift response of local agencies, including the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department, whose efforts in extinguishing the fire prevented further damage to the surrounding environment and community.
This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with aviation and highlights the importance of thorough investigations to enhance safety protocols and prevent future
tragedies.
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