On March 14, 2025, a tragic plane crash occurred near the Wright Brothers National Memorial’s First Flight Airport in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including a 6-year-old child.
Incident Details
The single-engine Cirrus SR22 aircraft was on a multi-leg flight, having most recently departed from Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo, North Carolina. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the plane attempted to land at First Flight Airport but aborted the initial approach. During the second attempt, the aircraft veered off course, collided with trees adjacent to the runway, and subsequently caught fire. Notably, no distress calls were made prior to the crash.
Victims Identified
The National Park Service released the identities of the four adults on board:
Shashwat Ajit Adhikari, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland
Jason Ray Campbell, 43, of Southern Pines, North Carolina
Kate McAllister Neely, 39, of Southern Pines, North Carolina
Matthew Arthur Fassnacht, 44, of Marietta, Georgia
The name of the 6-year-old child has not been publicly disclosed.
Ongoing Investigation
The NTSB has initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators are analyzing various factors, including pilot credentials, aircraft maintenance records, engine performance, weather conditions, and any available air traffic control communications. The agency has requested assistance from the public, urging witnesses or anyone with relevant information—such as video footage or audio recordings—to contact them at witness@ntsb.gov.
A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected to be released approximately ten days after the incident, with a more detailed factual report and determination of probable cause anticipated within nine to twelve months.
Community Response
The crash prompted a swift response from local emergency services, including the Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk fire and police departments, Dare County Emergency Medical Services, and the Dare County Sheriff’s Office. Their coordinated efforts were instrumental in extinguishing the fire and securing the crash site. The Wright Brothers National Memorial and First Flight Airport were temporarily closed to facilitate the investigation and were scheduled to reopen on March 20, 2025.
Leave a Reply