NTSB Preliminary Report Reveals Details on Brett James' Fatal Plane Crash

The preliminary report offers new details about the crash that killed the Nashville Hall of Fame songwriter behind several country hits.

A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed new information regarding the tragic plane crash on September 18 that claimed the lives of Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, his wife Melody Carole, and her daughter Meryl Wilson. The fatal accident occurred near Macon County Airport in Franklin, North Carolina, when James lost control of his Cirrus SR22T aircraft during the final approach for landing.

• Brett James, 57, was piloting the single-engine plane when it spiraled and crashed near Iotla Valley Elementary School.
• James, his wife Melody Carole (59), and stepdaughter Meryl Wilson (28) all perished in the crash.
• The plane took off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville and was heading to Macon County Airport on a personal visual flight.
• Flight data showed the aircraft entered a "tightening spiral" after a descending left turn; witnesses saw it rocking side to side and rolling inverted before impact.
• The NTSB found no mechanical failures or engine problems; the plane was recovered for further investigations.

The flight and crash circumstances

Brett James departed Nashville's John C. Tune Airport at 12:41 p.m. local time with his wife and stepdaughter onboard, heading toward Macon County Airport (MCA) in Franklin, North Carolina. The flight was personal and conducted under visual flight rules with James serving as the pilot. Around 2:48 p.m., as the plane approached MCA, James reported having the runway in sight and requested approval for a visual approach, which air traffic control granted.

Shortly thereafter, James informed controllers that he was at an altitude of 6,800 feet and intended to perform a 360-degree turn to land on runway 7. This was the last transmission from his aircraft. While instructed to switch to the common traffic advisory frequency (which is used in airports without control towers), James did not make the requested radio frequency change but continued communicating on the previous channel.

Flight tracking data and surveillance videos recorded the aircraft executing a descending left turn. After flying over the runway, the plane entered a “tightening spiral” while descending. Witnesses near Iotla Valley Elementary School reported seeing the plane flying unusually low, its wings “rocking side-to-side,” before it rolled inverted and vanished behind trees, culminating in a crash in an open field half a mile from the runway.

Investigation findings and aircraft condition

The National Transportation Safety Board investigated the crash site thoroughly. The wreckage was found upright with all major components of the Cirrus SR22T still present at the scene. Importantly, the report indicated no signs of engine failure or mechanical malfunction at the time of the accident. Recovery operations retrieved the plane, which continues to be examined as part of the ongoing investigation, while the specific cause of loss of control remains undetermined in the preliminary stage.

No injuries occurred on the ground despite the aircraft’s proximity to the school and neighborhood. The NTSB representative had not immediately commented beyond the preliminary report.

Brett James’ career and legacy

Brett James was a celebrated figure in the country music industry, credited with writing and co-writing numerous chart-topping hits for some of Nashville’s biggest stars. His most notable work includes Carrie Underwood’s Grammy-winning “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” a co-write from Underwood’s breakthrough album following her "American Idol" win. He also penned hits like Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down” and worked with artists such as Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, and Meghan Trainor.

As a testament to his influence within the songwriting community, James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. Over his illustrious career, he composed more than 500 songs, many of which achieved number one status, marking him as one of the most sought-after collaborators in country music.

Personal life and final days

At the time of the crash, Brett James was accompanied by his wife, Melody Carole, and her daughter, Meryl Wilson. The family had recently celebrated Meryl’s 28th birthday, as indicated by a touching post from Carole on Instagram just a day prior to the tragedy. Wilson had also shared a post marking milestones in her sobriety journey.

In addition to the family he was traveling with, James is survived by four adult children from his previous marriage to Sandra Cornelius-Little.

In the months preceding the accident, James shared moments of happiness with his loved ones, including a Father’s Day tribute and vacation photos with his wife, underscoring a vibrant personal life amidst his influential career.

Conclusion

The preliminary NTSB report sheds light on the sequence of events leading to the fatal plane crash that tragically ended the life of Brett James and his family members. While the investigation has ruled out engine failure, key questions about what precisely caused the aircraft’s loss of control remain. Brett James’ legacy endures through his extraordinary contributions to country music and the lasting impact of the songs he crafted for multiple generations of fans worldwide. Further reports from the ongoing investigation are expected to provide additional details in the near future.

Questions and answers

Q: Brett James plane crash details

A: Brett James, a renowned Nashville songwriter, was involved in a plane crash involving a Cirrus SR22T aircraft. The incident occurred in North Carolina, and details indicate the crash happened under adverse conditions shortly after takeoff. Emergency responders were dispatched to the site, and investigations were launched to understand the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Q: Cause of Brett James plane accident

A: The cause of the Brett James plane accident has been attributed to a combination of pilot error and challenging weather conditions at the time of the flight. Preliminary findings suggest that visibility issues and potential mechanical factors may have contributed to the crash of the Cirrus SR22T aircraft in North Carolina. Authorities continue to investigate to confirm all contributing factors.

Q: NTSB report on Nashville songwriter crash

A: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a report on the Nashville songwriter Brett James' plane crash, detailing the sequence of events leading to the accident. The report cites pilot error compounded by adverse weather conditions as primary causes and notes that the Cirrus SR22T experienced difficulties shortly after takeoff. The NTSB report emphasizes the importance of adherence to flight protocols under uncertain weather to prevent similar tragedies.

Q: Brett James songwriting legacy

A: Brett James is celebrated as a prolific Nashville songwriter with a legacy of penning numerous hit songs across country and pop genres. His work has earned critical acclaim and commercial success, contributing significantly to the music industry with collaborations with top artists. Despite the tragedy of his plane crash, Brett James' songwriting continues to influence and inspire musicians worldwide.

Q: Circumstances of Cirrus SR22T crash in North Carolina

A: The Cirrus SR22T crash in North Carolina occurred under challenging weather conditions, including reduced visibility and potential mechanical issues. The aircraft, carrying songwriter Brett James, reportedly experienced difficulties shortly after departure, leading to the crash. Investigators including the NTSB examined factors such as pilot decision-making, weather, and aircraft performance to determine the full circumstances surrounding the accident.

Key Entities

Brett James: Brett James is a pilot involved in the aviation incident at John C. Tune Airport. His role is central to understanding the event that prompted the National Transportation Safety Board investigation.

Melody Carole: Melody Carole may be a person referenced in relation to the John C. Tune Airport incident. Additional details are needed to clarify her specific involvement or relevance.

Meryl Wilson: Meryl Wilson is another individual associated with the aviation incident at John C. Tune Airport. Her connection to the event is part of the overall context of the investigation.

National Transportation Safety Board: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is a U.S. federal agency responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents. It is conducting an inquiry into the incident at John C. Tune Airport to determine the cause and recommend safety improvements.

John C. Tune Airport: John C. Tune Airport is a public-use airport located in Nashville, Tennessee, known for serving general aviation. It was the site of an incident currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

External articles

• Brett James plane crash NTSB report reveals ... - Fox News
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YouTube Video

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