New NTSB report reveals how Brett James’ fatal North Carolina plane crash unfolded

NTSB: Brett James lost control during landing, killing him and two family members

Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, 57, tragically died in a plane crash in North Carolina on September 18, along with his wife, Melody Carole, 59, and her daughter, Meryl Wilson, 28.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released new details about the fatal accident.

According to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) obtained by People, James was piloting his private Cirrus SR22T and had requested a visual approach to Macon County Airport in Franklin, North Carolina.

During the landing attempt, he tried to execute a full 360° turn to line up with the runway, but lost control of the aircraft, leading to the fatal crash.

Surveillance video showed the plane descending in a left turn, entering a tightening spiral, and ultimately crashing into an open field near Iotla Valley Elementary School.

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Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James dies in plane crash at 57

Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low, rocking from side to side, before rolling inverted and disappearing behind a tree line.

The aircraft was recovered and is undergoing further examination. No signs of engine failure were found. James departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville at 12:41 pm, with the crash occurring just over two hours later, around 2:48 pm

The tragedy struck just days after Carole and Wilson celebrated Wilson’s 28th birthday. James is survived by his adult children from a previous marriage to Sandra Cornelius-Little.

Brett James was widely celebrated for his contributions to country music, co-writing hits including Kenny Chesney’s Reality, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.