Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Local Family Near Raleigh Airport

Sanford, North Carolina, USA - The recent tragic crash of a small plane has left the Raleigh community in mourning. On Monday, July 8, 2025, a beloved family of four was killed when their Cirrus SR22T encountered serious troubles in the skies. As the pilot approached Raleigh Executive Jetport, communication and engine failures played a devastating role in this heart-wrenching incident.

Travis and Candace Buchanan, both 35 years old, along with their children, Aubrey, 10, and Walker, 9, were identified as the victims of this tragic accident. They had strong ties to the local area through Buchanan Family Farms in Sanford, where they were known for their warmth and community involvement. Words cannot capture the shock and sorrow felt by neighbors and friends as they remember the positive contributions the family made to their lives.

Details of the Crash

The flight took off from Merritt Island, Florida, at around 11:03 a.m. and was en route to Raleigh when it encountered trouble approximately 5-6 miles from the destination. The pilot reported engine issues shortly before communication was lost with air traffic control. Witnesses describe a chaotic scene as the Cirrus SR22T went down, ultimately crashing in a field near Lower Moncure Road, just a mile from the airport Spectrum Local News notes. The wreckage was confined to a 50-yard area, and investigators are now sorting through the debris to piece together what went wrong.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting a thorough investigation into this incident. Their preliminary findings suggest that the crash resulted from engine and communication failures. Moreover, the parachute system, designed to be a safety feature of the Cirrus aircraft, did not deploy—a detail that complicates understanding of the crash dynamics. Investigators will also review the pilot’s history, looking into fatigue, changes in habits, and any potential influences from the cockpit environment or weather conditions prior to the crash WRAL reports.

Looking Forward

As the community reacts, the NTSB is expected to complete a preliminary crash report in about three weeks, with a final report anticipated to take around 18 months. Investigators will transport the airplane to Tennessee for further examination, ensuring that critical components are meticulously assessed. While logbooks were recovered, they indicated incomplete information, raising further questions about the flight’s circumstances the NTSB’s aviation query page highlights.

This incident not only shakes the local aviation community but also impacts those who knew the Buchanans. Neighbors have organized vigils and are sharing memories of a family that resonated deeply within their lives. It’s a stark reminder that, sometimes, life’s unpredictability has a heavy hand, turning joy into sorrow in an instant.

The NTSB urges anyone who witnessed the crash to share their accounts via email at witness@NTSB.gov. Each voice matters as investigators strive to piece together the events that led to this heart-wrenching tragedy.