A North Carolina family of four tragically died in a plane crash near Sanford, North Carolina. Learn more about the incident, the victims, and the ongoing investigation into the crash.
Tragic Plane Crash Claims the Lives of a Family of 4 in North Carolina
A community in Sanford, North Carolina, is in mourning after a devastating plane crash took the lives of a family of four on Monday, July 7, 2025. The single-engine aircraft, a Cirrus SR22T, crashed just one mile from its destination at the Raleigh Executive Jetport.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash. According to Aviation Accident Investigator Ryan Enders, the plane had departed from Merritt Island, Florida, and was headed to the Raleigh Executive Jetport. Sadly, all four individuals on board—Travis Buchanan, 35, his wife Candace Buchanan, 35, and their two children—perished in the crash.
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“It’s a tragedy, by all means,” said Enders. “It’s a devastating blow to everybody in the community. We’re going to figure out what happened.”
Pilot Reported Communication and Engine Issues Before the Crash
Before the plane went down, the pilot contacted the airport’s fixed-base operator to report communication problems, as well as issues with the aircraft’s engine and navigation systems. As part of their investigation, the NTSB is reviewing the pilot’s flight history and assessing the conditions leading up to the flight.
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The wreckage will be transported to Tennessee for further analysis to help determine the cause of the accident.
Remembering the Buchanan Family
The Buchanans were well-known members of their local community. They ran Buchanan Farms in Sanford, where they operated a produce stand and hosted community events. Abraham Garcia, a longtime employee, expressed his sorrow, remembering Travis as a supportive and kind employer.
“He helped me all the time,” Garcia said. “I worked with him for eight years.”
In a tribute to the family, Grace Christian Sanford School, where the Buchanan children attended, shared their condolences on social media. Teachers, friends, and community members mourned the loss and remembered the Buchanans for their kindness and the love they gave to their students and the community.
The Buchanan Family’s Impact on the Community
The Buchanans were not just business owners; they were pillars of their community. Andrea Adame, owner of Los Charros Mexican Restaurant, expressed her heartbreak upon hearing the news, recalling how the Buchanans had always tried to provide a healthy, safe environment for families in Sanford.
“They were important in this community,” Adame said, “trying to provide a healthy and safe environment for the family.”
Nickie Runyan, a local photographer, shared how the Buchanans’ goal was to bring the community together through their events. “You could see that at the events, at the sessions,” she said, emphasizing their efforts to create a space for the community to unite.
The Buchanan Family’s Legacy
While the investigation into the crash is ongoing, the impact of the Buchanans on Sanford is already clear. Friends and colleagues recall them for their warmth, kindness, and dedication to their community. Travis’s character, integrity, and the family’s generosity will remain a lasting legacy in Sanford.
NTSB investigating Sunday's crash of a Cessna 441 in Youngstown, Ohio.
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) June 29, 2025
The family was planning a charity event for the following weekend, but now, their friends and relatives are focusing on how to move forward, grieving and honoring their memory.
