MANTEO, N.C. — Multiple people died after a single-engine plane crashed Saturday afternoon in a wooded area at Wright Brothers National Memorial’s First Flight Airport, the National Park Service said.
The crash occurred at 5 p.m. as, according to eyewitnesses, the airplane was trying to land at the airport, the park service said in a news release.
The airplane caught fire after the crash, the park service said. The Kill Devil Hills Fire Department and other local fire departments put out the fire.
The airport is closed until further notice, the park service said.
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration has also been notified.
The Wright Brothers National Memorial will be closed Sunday, the park service said.
A tragic plane crash at the Wright Brothers National Memorial’s First Flight Airport has left multiple people dead, sending shockwaves through the aviation community and the local Outer Banks community.
The incident occurred on a sunny afternoon when a small private plane attempting to take off from the airport suddenly lost control and crashed into a nearby field. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane experiencing mechanical issues shortly after takeoff.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, but unfortunately, there were no survivors among the passengers and crew on board. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of their families.
The Wright Brothers National Memorial, located in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, is a historic site that commemorates the first successful powered flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903. The First Flight Airport, adjacent to the memorial, serves as a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts and tourists looking to experience the thrill of flying.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with air travel, even in small private planes. While commercial aviation has made significant advancements in safety over the years, accidents like this one highlight the importance of ongoing vigilance and adherence to strict safety protocols.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future. In the meantime, the airport has been temporarily closed as authorities work to clear the wreckage and ensure the safety of other pilots and passengers.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this devastating tragedy. May they find comfort and strength in this difficult time, and may we all be reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have.
