New details have emerged regarding the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of Grammy Award-winning songwriter Brett James and two other individuals in North Carolina last month. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report on the incident, which occurred on September 18.
The report indicates that James’ Cirrus SR22T aircraft took off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville and was en route to Macon County Airport in Franklin when the accident happened. Operating under visual conditions, James was piloting the plane as a personal flight.
At approximately 2:48 p.m., as the aircraft neared the airport, James communicated to air traffic control that he had the runway in sight and was transitioning to a common traffic advisory frequency. This was the last transmission received from him. Shortly after, flight tracking data revealed that the plane began a descent while making a left turn, which apparently culminated in what investigators describe as a “tightening spiral” descent. The aircraft crashed in a field approximately half a mile from the runway, near Iotla Valley Elementary School.
Witnesses reported the plane flying unusually low over the school’s playground, with its wings swaying side-to-side. Many observed it rolling inverted before disappearing from view, moments before the crash occurred. Remarkably, no injuries were reported on the ground in connection with the incident.
Upon arriving at the crash site, investigators noted that James’ plane had come to rest upright in the field, and all major components were still in place. The preliminary findings revealed no indications of engine failure. The aircraft has been recovered and further investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with aviation, and the community continues to mourn the loss of a talented musician whose contributions to the country music landscape will not be forgotten.