Franklin, NC, September 19, 2025
News Summary
A small plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina has left three individuals dead, including a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The Cirrus SR22T aircraft took off from Nashville, Tennessee, and crashed near Iotla Valley Elementary School shortly after departure. The investigation is ongoing, with several agencies involved in uncovering the cause of the tragic incident. Community members are concerned about the potential dangers associated with the crash site’s proximity to the school.
Franklin, North Carolina — Three individuals died following a small plane crash involving a Cirrus SR22T aircraft on Thursday afternoon. The accident occurred around 3 p.m. near Iotla Valley Elementary School, shortly after the plane took off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee at 12:41 p.m. (CDT).
Macon County dispatch confirmed there were no survivors on board the aircraft. The plane, registered with the tail number N218VB, is owned by Brett Cornelius from Brentwood, Tennessee. As of now, the identities of the deceased have not been fully confirmed; however, one individual has been identified as Brett James, a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame known for his popular songs including “Jesus Take the Wheel” and “When the Sun Goes Down.”
The crash site was located in a field adjacent to Iotla Valley Elementary School. Thankfully, school officials confirmed that all students and staff were safe, and the incident did not take place on school property. A school resource officer observed the plane descending and promptly reported the situation. Witnesses in the area indicated they heard a loud bang just before the crash occurred.
Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, including personnel from Cowee Fire and Rescue and Franklin Fire and Rescue, confirming that there was no fire in the aftermath of the crash. The investigation into the cause of the accident is currently being conducted by the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). An NTSB investigator is expected to arrive at the scene the next day to further examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Community members have expressed their concerns regarding the proximity of the crash site to the elementary school, highlighting the potential dangers such an event could pose to nearby buildings and children. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the factors that led to this tragic incident.
Key Information about the Incident
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Crash Date | Thursday afternoon |
| Aircraft Model | Cirrus SR22T |
| Flight Departure | John C. Tune Airport, Nashville, TN |
| Time of Departure | 12:41 p.m. (CDT) |
| Crash Location | Near Iotla Valley Elementary School, Franklin, NC |
| Fatalities | Three confirmed dead |
| Identified Victim | Brett James, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member |
| Investigation Agencies | North Carolina Highway Patrol, FAA, NTSB |
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, focusing on uncovering the events leading up to the crash. The NTSB, responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents, will provide further insights into the incident. Community members continue to reflect on the implications of this tragedy, particularly due to its occurrence near an elementary school, raising questions about aviation safety and local emergency preparedness.
As developments unfold, the affected families and community members remain in the thoughts of local authorities and emergency responders. The provision of support resources is anticipated as the investigation progresses and further information is made available.
FAQ
What happened in Franklin, NC on Thursday afternoon?
Three people are dead following a small plane crash involving a Cirrus SR22T aircraft on Thursday afternoon.
What was the flight’s departure location?
The aircraft took off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee at 12:41 p.m. (CDT).
Were there any survivors from the crash?
Macon County dispatch confirmed that there were no survivors on board.
Who was one of the deceased individuals?
One of the deceased has been identified as Brett James, a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The crash is being investigated by the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the FAA, and the NTSB.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina
- Wikipedia: Air safety
- WSMV
- Google Search: North Carolina plane crash
- WLOS
- Google Scholar: aviation safety
- WBTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: plane crash
- WFMY News 2
- Google News: Iotla Valley Elementary School plane crash
Author: HERE Nashville
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