North Carolina Plane Crash Victims Identified: 'Heavy Hearts'

A North Carolina family of four, including two young children, was killed when their small plane crashed in a field northeast of Sanford on Monday afternoon as they returned from a beach trip in Florida.

Federal investigators say the single-engine Cirrus SR22T aircraft went down shortly after 1:30 p.m. under unknown circumstances. The National Transportation Safety Board stated that an investigator was expected to arrive at the crash site on Tuesday and that the wreckage would be transported to a facility for further analysis.

The victims were identified as Travis and Candace Buchanan, both 35, along with their children, 10-year-old Aubrey and 9-year-old Walker, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Three of the four family members died at the scene, while the fourth was pronounced dead at a hospital.

There were no survivors in the crash.

The Context

The crash occurred in a heavily wooded area several miles south of the airport in Sanford. It came after several tornadoes swept through the area the previous day, but by midday Monday, the skies were clear, according to the New York Times.

What to Know About the Plane Crash in Sanford, North Carolina

Flight records indicate the aircraft, registered to Travis Buchanan, departed Merritt Island, Florida, around 11 a.m. on Monday.

It disappeared from tracking near Sanford, about 40 miles southwest of Raleigh, just over two hours later. The plane was based at Raleigh Executive Jetport, located a few miles from the crash site, the airport confirmed in a social media post.

At a briefing on Tuesday afternoon, the NTSB stated that there were limited details available, as the investigation was still in its early stages.

The plane had reported a loss of communication and navigational equipment, shortly followed by engine issues. It was located in a field around a mile from its destination.

NTSB Aviation Accident Investigator Ryan Enders said that the aircraft would be removed from the scene and taken to Tennessee for further examination. Other items recovered from the scene would be taken to Washington, D.C., for analysis.

The agency confirmed that a parachute was on board the plane, but it had not been deployed, with the reason unclear at this time.

What to Know About the Buchanan Family

The Buchanans were well-known in the Sanford community. Local television station WRAL reported that the family-owned Buchanan Farms and an employee, Abraham Garcia, described Travis Buchanan as a generous and kind employer.

"He helped me all the time," Garcia told the station.

The family's farm received an outpouring of condolence messages on Facebook Tuesday, with locals paying tribute to their generosity and dedication to their community.

Grace Christian School in Sanford also mourned the family's loss, confirming that Aubrey was set to enter fifth grade and Walker, fourth grade, this fall.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of one of our Crusader Families," the school said in a statement on Facebook. "During this incredibly difficult time, we stand together in support of their family and one another."

What People Are Saying

NTSB Aviation Accident Investigator Ryan Enders, at Tuesday's briefing: "It's a tragedy by all means, it's a devastating blow to everybody in the community, but we are going to figure out what happened."

Visit Sanford's Facebook page: "Buchanan Farms was more than just an agritourism business; it was a cornerstone of our community, a place where memories were made, traditions were fostered, and the true spirit of local agriculture shone brightly. The Buchanan family poured their passion, dedication, and love into every aspect of the farm, creating a welcoming space that brought so much joy to countless families, both near and far. Their tireless efforts not only enriched our local economy but also cultivated a profound sense of connection and belonging among us all."

Los Charros Mexican Restaurant in Broadway, North Carolina, on Facebook: "Travis, his wife and kids were more than customers to us they were friends. I still remember the day Travis came to the restaurant and brought us a lot of his harvests to try, we even name a margarita after his farm. During this difficult time we stand together in support of their family."

What Happens Next

The Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.

Update 7/8/25, 4:29 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.