Tragic Plane Crash in Outer Banks Claims Five Lives, Victims Identified
Last weekend, a deadly plane crash in the Outer Banks of North Carolina resulted in the tragic loss of five lives, including a 6-year-old child. The crash occurred on Saturday, February 10, 2025, near the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
The plane, a single-engine Cirrus SR-22, was reportedly on a descent to land at First Flight Airport when it veered off course and crashed into trees before bursting into flames. Witnesses to the accident described a chilling scene, with emergency responders quickly arriving on the scene to extinguish the fire. Despite their efforts, the five individuals on board the plane were all pronounced dead at the site.
The victims of the crash have now been identified by authorities. The four adult passengers were Shashwat Adhikari, a 31-year-old from Silver Spring, Maryland; Jason Campbell, a 43-year-old from Southern Pines, North Carolina; Kate Neely, a 39-year-old also from Southern Pines; and Matthew Fassnacht, a 44-year-old from Marietta, Georgia. The name of the 6-year-old child has yet to be released as of now, pending notification of family members.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Early reports indicate that no distress signals were sent by the pilot before the crash, leaving many questions unanswered. Authorities are expected to release a detailed report in the coming months to shed light on what led to the tragic accident.
The local community, along with visitors to the Outer Banks, has been left heartbroken by the loss of these individuals. The National Park Service expressed its condolences, with David Hallac, superintendent of the National Historic Sites in the area, offering his deepest sympathies to the victims’ families. As the investigation continues, the Outer Banks region has rallied around the families affected, offering support and plans for memorial services to honor the victims’ memory.
This incident has left many in mourning, but the outpouring of community support highlights the resilience and compassion that thrives in the wake of such a devastating tragedy.
