Family of Four Dies in Plane Crash Near Sanford, NC
SANFORD, N.C. — A North Carolina family of four, including two children, died when their small plane crashed northeast of Sanford on Monday afternoon.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Cirrus SR22T aircraft went down shortly after 1:30 p.m. in a field near trees. Initial reports indicate no survivors; three family members died at the scene, while a fourth was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The deceased have been identified as Travis and Candace Buchanan, both 35, and their children, Aubrey, 10, and Walker, 9. Federal Aviation Administration records show Travis Buchanan as the plane's owner. The flight took off from Merritt Island, Florida, around 11 a.m. Monday, with its last known location near Sanford.
The NTSB has dispatched an investigator to the crash site, and the aircraft will be recovered for further analysis. The Raleigh Executive Jetport confirmed that the plane was based at their facility.
Grace Christian School in Sanford noted that the Buchanan children attended the school, expressing condolences and support for the family in a Facebook post. A family associate highlighted the Buchanans' role in the community, stating they were returning from a beach trip.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, with more details expected as the NTSB gathers information.