Family of 4 Killed In Fiery NC Plane Crash Near Jetport

Tragedy hit hard in Lee County, North Carolina, after a small private plane crashed and killed an entire family of four on Monday, July 7, 2025. The aircraft, identified as a Cirrus SR22T, went down just outside Raleigh Executive Jetport around 1:30 p.m., bursting into flames and leaving no survivors.

WHO THEY WERE

Killed in the crash were:

• Travis Buchanan, 35

• Candace Buchanan, 35

• Aubrey Buchanan, 10 — rising 5th grader at Grace Christian School

• Walker Buchanan, 9 — rising 4th grader

Three died on the scene, and one passed away shortly after being rushed to the hospital. The devastating loss has left the tight-knit Sanford community reeling.

The Buchanans were the heart and soul behind Buchanan Farms, a well-known local business loved for its produce, fall festivals, and family-run feel.

FLIGHT HISTORY & CRASH DETAILS

According to the FAA, the plane had departed Merritt Island, Florida, around 11 a.m., en route to Sanford, N.C. Minutes before reaching its destination, the aircraft plummeted into a field and caught fire.

Both the NTSB and FAA have opened a full investigation. Officials say they’ll be checking the aircraft’s maintenance logs, weather data, and pilot records.

“This will take time. We want answers for the family and community,” said an NTSB spokesperson.

A COMMUNITY MOURNS

Grace Christian School, where both children attended, released a heart-wrenching statement on Facebook:

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of one of our Crusader families… We lift up the Buchanan family in prayer during this unimaginable time.”

Sanford residents gathered at Buchanan Farms overnight, lighting candles and placing flowers at the gate. Online tributes have flooded in from friends, customers, and classmates.