Fatal plane crash in Kill Devil Hills during landing attempt

On Saturday evening, a tragic accident occurred at the Wright Brothers National Memorial's First Flight Airport in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, when a single-engine Cirrus SR22 plane crashed while attempting to land. The aircraft, which had taken off from Dare County Regional Airport, struck a tree during its second landing approach before crashing into the terrain adjacent to the airport's runway. All five occupants, including four adults and a child, perished in the incident, and the plane caught fire upon impact. Local fire departments responded to extinguish the blaze, which produced smoke visible from miles away. Weather conditions at the time of the crash were reported to be clear, with winds from the south at approximately 10 mph. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the incident and has indicated that a final report will take between 9 to 12 months to complete. Witnesses and residents in the area are encouraged to provide any information they may have regarding the crash. First Flight Airport operates without a control tower, meaning pilots do not communicate with air traffic control during their arrivals and departures. This lack of oversight may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the crash. The NTSB has not yet released the identities of the victims, and the community is mourning the loss of life in this tragic event. Officials expect to reopen the airport on Tuesday, following the investigation and cleanup efforts. The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety in the region, prompting discussions about the need for improved communication and safety measures at non-towered airports.