KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. (WAVY) — National Transportation Safety Board investigators are still trying to figure out what caused a deadly plane crash that killed five, including a child, on Saturday in North Carolina.
The airplane crashed into a wooded area at Wright Brothers National Memorial’s First Flight Airport.
“It’s a real tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those who perished in the crash,” said Superintendent of National Parks of Eastern North Carolina David Hallac.
“The airplane made an initial approach in subsequent takeoff where it remained in the pattern and made a second approach and landing attempt,” NTSB Aviation Accident Investigator Ryan Enders said. “During the second attempt, the aircraft made a left turn and impacted trees adjacent to the left side of the runway.”
According to Enders, the identities of the five victims in this plane crash aren’t being released yet. The cause of the crash also remains under investigation. He shared that the plane was on a multi-leg flight and was flying from Dare County Regional Airport when the aircraft was trying to land at the Wright Brothers National Memorial’s First Flight Airport.
Hallac said he’s never seen a crash like this happen at the airport.
Due to the investigation, the Wright Brothers National Memorial was closed Sunday.
“We plan to reopen on Tuesday morning. We want to give the investigators time to do their job safely,” Hallac said.
It’s an investigation that will take time. Enders said a preliminary report will be released in approximately 10 days, and a factual report will be released in approximately nine to 12 months, with a probable cause being released shortly after.
“We’re going to be here for the next several days collecting any perishable evidence, such as photographs, video evidence and any data from the airplane that we can extract and send back to Washington, DC for analysis,” Enders said.
NTSB investigators are asking for the public’s help. If you have any photos/videos, or saw or heard the crash, they ask that you email that information to witness@ntsb.gov.
