Family of four dies in tragic plane crash in North Carolina

On Monday, July 7, 2025, a family of four tragically lost their lives in a small plane crash in North Carolina. The incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. in Lee County, near Sanford, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A single-engine Cirrus SR22 aircraft went down in a wooded area shortly after takeoff from the Sanford Raleigh Executive Airport. Local law enforcement responded quickly, with the North Carolina Highway Patrol arriving at the crash site shortly after 2 p.m. At the scene, three of the four family members were pronounced dead, while the fourth was transported to a nearby hospital, where they also succumbed to their injuries. The victims were identified as 35-year-old parents, Travis and Candace Buchanan, and their children, 10-year-old Aubrey and 9-year-old Walker. All four were aboard the aircraft, which is often used for general aviation. The Buchanan family was well-known in the area as they ran Buchanan Family Farms, a local business that contributed significantly to the community. The loss of this family has deeply affected many in the region, as tributes began pouring in from friends and neighbors who described them as a loving and supportive family. In the aftermath of the crash, both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have opened investigations to determine the causes of the accident. Eyewitness accounts and flight data will be reviewed as part of the investigation process. The NTSB will lead the inquiry and provide updates as more information becomes available. Such investigations are vital to understanding not only the reasons behind this heartbreaking event but also to ensure that safety measures are enhanced to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The community is left in mourning, as they reflect on the lives cut short and the impact this family had on their lives. This incident raises critical questions about the safety protocols in place for small aircraft and the responsibilities of operators flying in and out of local airports. As information unfolds, it will be essential for families, friends, and the broader community to seek closure while demanding accountability and enhanced safety regulations for future flights. Local officials have encouraged anyone with information regarding the crash to come forward as the investigation continues.