Investigation Launched After Wright Brothers National Memorial Plane Crash

A tragic plane crash near the Wright Brothers National Memorial in North Carolina claimed five lives, including a child.

At a Glance

A single-engine Cirrus SR22 crashed near Wright Brothers National Memorial, killing five people.
The crash occurred on Saturday around 5 p.m. ET as the plane attempted to land.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.
Wright Brothers National Memorial was closed on Sunday and Monday due to the ongoing investigation.

Deadly Crash at Historic Site

On Saturday evening, a tragic incident unfolded at one of America’s most iconic aviation landmarks. A single-engine plane crashed near the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, resulting in multiple fatalities. The accident occurred around 5 p.m. ET as the aircraft, identified as a Cirrus SR22, was attempting to land at the First Flight Airport.

According to officials, five people lost their lives in the crash, including four adults and one child. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed. The plane, which caught fire upon impact, crashed into a wooded area adjacent to the airstrip, with parts of the aircraft visible among the trees.

Multiple people were killed after a single-engine plane crashed into the woods near the Wright Brothers National Memorial's First Flight Airport in North Carolina. https://t.co/BCTbz8iipC

— ABC News (@ABC) September 29, 2024

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the crash. NTSB investigator Ryan Enders addressed reporters on Sunday, outlining the scope of their inquiry. “We’re here to figure out what happened, why it happened and how we can prevent it from happening again,” Enders stated.

“If you saw anything, heard anything, have a doorbell camera that might have captured the airplane or even the sounds of the airplane,” reach out, Enders said.

Investigators are examining multiple factors, including the pilot’s actions, the condition of the aircraft, and weather conditions at the time of the crash. Weather reports indicate clear conditions with 10-mile visibility and 16 mph wind gusts when the incident occurred. Notably, no mayday calls were made before the crash, adding to the mystery surrounding the tragic event.

Impact on Historic Site

The crash led to the temporary closure of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, a site managed by the National Park Service that commemorates the groundbreaking achievements of Orville and Wilbur Wright. The First Flight Airport, where the crash occurred, is part of this historic complex, marking the location of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight in 1903.

This incident marks a somber moment in the airport’s history. Over the past 40 years, the First Flight Airstrip has experienced 11 aircraft crashes, with the last fatal crash occurring in 1984. The current tragedy underscores the ongoing challenges and risks associated with aviation, even at a site celebrating its pioneering achievements.

Moving Forward

As the investigation continues, the NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within 10 days, though a full investigation could take up to a year to complete. The agency has urged anyone with information about the crash to contact them at [email protected]. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the ongoing need for vigilance and improvement in aircraft operations.

The community and the nation mourn the loss of life in this unfortunate incident, which occurred at a location symbolizing the birth of powered flight. As investigations proceed, many hope that lessons learned from this tragedy will contribute to preventing similar accidents in the future, honoring the legacy of innovation and safety that the Wright brothers championed over a century ago.