On September 28, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded near the Wright Brothers National Memorial’s First Flight Airport in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, resulting in the untimely deaths of five individuals—a pilot and four passengers, including a 6-year-old child. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) initiated an investigation into the crash, and on October 29, 2024, released a preliminary report detailing the sequence of events leading up to the accident.
Flight Details and Sequence
The ill-fated flight commenced at Moore County Airport in Carthage, North Carolina, with subsequent stops at Ocracoke Island and Dare County Regional Airport. The final leg of the journey was intended to conclude at First Flight Airport in Kill Devil Hills. After departing Dare County Regional Airport, the aircraft remained airborne for approximately eight minutes before the accident occurred.
Upon approaching First Flight Airport, the pilot entered a left-hand traffic pattern for runway 21. It’s noteworthy that the published traffic pattern for this runway is right-hand, indicating a deviation from standard procedures. The pilot initially descended above the runway but subsequently climbed back to traffic pattern altitude. He then rejoined the pattern, this time executing left turns.
Final Approach and Crash Details
During the second approach to runway 21, witnesses observed that the aircraft was “high and fast.” As the plane passed the runway’s midpoint, it made a steep left turn, colliding with 50-foot-tall trees adjacent to the runway. The aircraft continued to impact additional trees before coming to rest approximately 300 feet east of the runway in heavily wooded terrain. A significant post-impact fire ensued, consuming most of the aircraft.
Victims’ Identification
The National Park Service released the names of the five individuals who perished in the crash:
- Shashwat Ajit Adhikari, 31, from Silver Spring, Maryland.
- Jason Ray Campbell, 43, from Southern Pines, North Carolina.
- Kate McAllister Neely, 39, from Southern Pines, North Carolina.
- Matthew Arthur Fassnacht, 44, from Marietta, Georgia.
- A 6-year-old child whose name was withheld.
Investigation and Findings
First Flight Airport operates as an untowered airport, meaning there is no communication between pilots and air traffic control during arrivals and departures. The NTSB’s preliminary report indicated that no distress calls were received from the pilot prior to the crash. Weather conditions at the time were reported as clear, with winds from the south at approximately 10 mph.
The NTSB’s investigation is ongoing, with a final report expected to be released between nine to twelve months from the incident date. The agency has appealed to the public for any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward by contacting [email protected].
Community and Public Response
The local community and beyond were deeply affected by the tragedy. Residents and visitors near the Wright Brothers National Memorial expressed their shock and sorrow, with many describing the scene as “horrific” and “gut-wrenching.” Emergency responders, including the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department, were commended for their swift action in extinguishing the post-crash fire.
Historical Context
The Wright Brothers National Memorial stands as a testament to aviation history, marking the site of the first powered, sustained, and controlled airplane flight. The irony of a plane crash occurring in such a historically significant location was not lost on the public, further amplifying the tragedy’s impact.
Safety Considerations
Preliminary findings suggest deviations from standard flight procedures, such as entering a left-hand traffic pattern on a runway designated for right-hand patterns. While the NTSB has not concluded its investigation, these details highlight the importance of adherence to established aviation protocols to ensure safety.
Looking Ahead
As the NTSB continues its thorough investigation, the aviation community and the public await further insights into the factors contributing to this tragic event. The final report is anticipated to provide comprehensive findings and, potentially, recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the meantime, the families and friends of the victims are left to mourn their loss, supported by a community that stands united in grief and remembrance.
