Brett James' Plane Spiraled Before Fatal North Carolina Crash

A tragic plane crash on September 18, 2025, near Macon County Airport in Franklin, North Carolina, claimed the lives of country songwriter Brett James, his girlfriend Melody Wilson, and her daughter Meryl Wilson. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that James was piloting the Cirrus SR22T aircraft and had communicated his intention to make a full 360-degree visual approach before landing. Tracking data and witness accounts revealed the plane entered a tightening spiral, flying unusually low over the playground of Iotla Valley Elementary School with wings rocking side-to-side before rolling inverted and crashing in a field about half a mile from the runway. The aircraft was found upright at the crash site with no evidence of engine failure, and the NTSB continues to investigate factors such as pilot error or weather conditions. James, aged 57, was renowned for writing hits for major country artists including Carrie Underwood. No injuries were reported on the ground, and the crash remains under active investigation.