🛩️ What Happened
On Monday, July 7, 2025, a private Cirrus SR22T aircraft crashed in rural Lee County, North Carolina, while returning from Merritt Island, Florida, to Raleigh Executive Jetport near Sanford. The aircraft was carrying a family of four: Travis Buchanan (35), his wife Candace (35), and their children Aubrey (10) and Walker (9), all residents and community members in Sanford
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the flight departed Merritt Island shortly after
11 a.m. local time. The plane lost communication and navigational equipment about 5–6 miles from Sanford, shortly before the pilot reported engine trouble
. The crash occurred around 1:30–1:45 p.m., with slight variations in timing across reports
Three people died at the scene; the fourth was transported to a nearby hospital, where they later succumbed
Who They Were
The Buchanan Family
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Travis and Candace Buchanan, both aged 35, were well‑known in the Sanford area. They operated Buchanan Farms, a local produce and events farm
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Their children, Aubrey (10) and Walker (9), were students at Grace Christian School. Aubrey was about to enter 5th grade and Walker 4th
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Grace Christian School shared, “it is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of one of our Crusader Families,” and offered prayers, support, and grief services
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A local restaurant, Los Charros Mexican Restaurant, noted that the Buchanans were “more than customers… they were friends,” and expressed heartfelt condolences
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Nickie Runyan Photography, who collaborated frequently with the family for farm‑based mini‑sessions, described them as “a beacon of light in our community”
Travis had employed Abraham Garcia at Buchanan Farms for over eight years; Garcia recalled, “he helped me all the time,” noting that the family was returning from a beach vacation
Crash Details & Investigation
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Aircraft involved: Cirrus SR22T, a single‑engine general aviation aircraft known for its ballistic parachute system—though initial reports indicate the parachute did not deploy
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Location: The plane went down in a wooded/open field near Lower Moncure Road, roughly 1 mile north of Raleigh Executive Jetport
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Timeline: Around 1:30–1:45 p.m., the pilot first reported losing communications/navigation. Shortly after, engine failure ensued and the aircraft crashed
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Casualties: Three of the four occupants were declared dead on-site. The fourth died at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill
Investigation underway
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The FAA and NTSB promptly responded. NTSB lead investigator Ryan Enders arrived on-site Tuesday (July 8), confirming investigation of flight history, mechanical data, and the flight’s final hours
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Initial reports: Pilot reported communication, navigation, and engine issues about 5–6 miles from the airport
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Recovery: Wreckage will be transported—reports mention Tennessee—for deeper examination .
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Timeline: Preliminary report expected in ~3–4 weeks. Final report likely in 12–18 months
Community Reaction & Legacy
The crash devastated Sanford and beyond:
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Grace Christian School held staff and student support services, acknowledging the Buchanans as integral community members
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Local businesses:
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Los Charros Restaurant honored them as friends with a community message of support
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Nickie Runyan Photography reflected on their generosity in hosting farm‑based photo events
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Yarborough’s Ice Cream & Grill, which sourced strawberries from Buchanan Farms, noted Travis’s “strong character”
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These tributes highlight how the Buchanans were more than farm owners—they shaped community culture and wellbeing.
Broader Context
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Private plane crashes in the U.S. have garnered attention this year, with several high-profile incidents noted by aviation experts. Still, many are considered “random clustering,” not indicative of systemic safety failures
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Aircraft-specific note: The Cirrus SR22T includes a ballistic parachute. Initial investigation suggests it was not deployed, raising potential concerns about timing or feasibility
What We Don’t Yet Know
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The exact chain of failure—whether mechanical, environmental, or pilot-related—is still unknown.
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We don’t yet know why the parachute wasn’t deployed—whether due to rapid failure or human decision-making.
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Weather conditions at the moment of engine failure have not been discussed in publicly released reports.
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The pilot’s recent flight history, logbook, maintenance records, and last known weather briefings remain under NTSB review
Answers should come in the preliminary NTSB report expected by mid‑August and the final report in 2026–2027.
In Memoriam 🌹
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Travis and Candace Buchanan were farmers, parents, and community anchors.
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Aubrey and Walker, young students full of promise, are remembered by classmates, teachers, and friends.
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Their community continues to grieve through memorials, shared stories, and collective support.
What Comes Next
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Safety recommendations—the NTSB may propose changes in training or equipment.
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Community support—local funds, counseling, and events can help families and friends process their grief.
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Broader awareness—this story draws attention to the risks of small aircraft travel and underscores importance of emergency features like parachutes.
Summary Timeline
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July 7, ~11 a.m.: Flight departs Merritt Island, Florida.
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~1:30 p.m.: Pilot reports communications/navigation issues.
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Minutes later: Engine trouble reported; crash occurs.
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Afternoon: Three passengers died on-site; the fourth at UNC Hospital.
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July 8: NTSB investigator arrives; wreckage recovered.
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~Mid-August: NTSB preliminary findings expected.
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2026–2027: Final NTSB report anticipated.
