A devastating plane crash occurred Saturday evening at the Wright Brothers National Memorial’s First Flight Airport in Manteo, North Carolina, killing all five individuals aboard the aircraft, including a child. The crash, which took place around 5:55 p.m., involved a single-engine Cirrus SR22 plane that was attempting to land at the historic site, according to the National Park Service and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Witnesses at the scene reported that the plane appeared to be descending toward the runway when it suddenly veered off course, crashing into a wooded area adjacent to the airport and bursting into flames. Fire crews from the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department and other local units quickly responded and were able to extinguish the fire, but tragically, none of the four adults or the minor aboard the aircraft survived. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, pending family notifications.
The Wright Brothers National Memorial and the First Flight Airport were immediately closed to the public following the incident, with authorities citing safety concerns and the need to conduct a thorough investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are working together to determine the cause of the crash, which remains unclear. Officials are expected to analyze the plane’s maintenance records, weather conditions, and any communication logs between the pilot and air traffic controllers at the time of the accident.
According to National Park Service spokesperson Mike Barber, the plane’s crash is a rare tragedy at the memorial, which serves as a testament to the Wright brothers’ pioneering achievements in aviation. “This incident has deeply impacted our community, and our hearts go out to the families of those lost,” Barber said. The park and airport, which are popular tourist attractions for their historical significance, are set to reopen on Tuesday at 9 a.m.
As the investigation unfolds, the FAA and NTSB are urging anyone with additional information or footage of the crash to come forward to assist in piecing together what led to the tragic accident. The crash marks a solemn moment at a site that symbolizes the birth of flight, and it has left the local community grieving the loss of five lives in an area dedicated to celebrating aviation milestones.
