Macon County Plane Crash Prelim Report
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anisafoxcarolinaMacon County Plane Crash Prelim Report
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anisafoxcarolinaAviation Investigation Preliminary Report
Location: Franklin, NC Accident Number: ERA25FA352
Date & Time: September 18, 2025, 14:56 Local Registration: N218VB
Aircraft: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22T Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
On September 18, 2025, at 1456 eastern daylight time, a Cirrus SR22T, N218VB, was
substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Franklin, North Carolina. The
private pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14
Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Preliminary air traffic control information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) indicated that the pilot was on an instrument flight rules flight from John C. Tune Airport
(JWN), Nashville, Tennessee to Macon County Airport (1A5) Franklin, North Carolina. As the
pilot approached 1A5, he requested a visual approach to runway 07 from air traffic control. The
controller approved the request, and at 1448 the pilot reported the airport in sight. The
controller then approved a frequency change to the common traffic advisory frequency. Shortly
after, the pilot transmitted (while still tuned to the controller’s radio frequency) that he was at
6,800 ft and intended to perform a 360° turn to land on runway 07. The controller then advised
the pilot that he was still on the frequency; there were no further transmissions received from
the pilot.
Review of preliminary ADS-B data showed that shortly after, the airplane began a descending
left turn from an altitude of about 6,300 ft mean sea level. It continued through a 360° left turn
before it began to approach runway 7 at an altitude of about 3,300 ft (the airport elevation of
1A5 was 2,033 ft). The ADS-B data ended when the airplane was about 0.5 nautical miles from
the runway threshold.
Surveillance video showed the airplane flying over the runway before initiating a descending
left turn. The airplane continued descending in the left turn before entering a tightening spiral
and impacting the ground.
Multiple witnesses near the accident site reported observing the airplane flying at a low
altitude near the airport and over a nearby school playground. The airplane was described as
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This information is preliminary and subject to change.
rocking side-to-side, with its wingtips moving up and down, before rolling inverted and
descending behind a tree line.
The airplane impacted a field about 0.25 miles east of 1A5. The airplane came to rest upright
and all major components of the airframe were located at the accident site. All major flight
control surfaces were observed and flight control continuity was traced throughout the flight
control system.
The engine sustained impact damage but remained attached to all four engine mounts. The
propeller flange, hub, and one blade remained attached to the engine. During the on-scene
examination, the engine was lifted and its crankshaft was rotated, which confirmed crankshaft
and camshaft continuity. Borescope examination of all cylinders revealed normal combustion
and operating signatures on the piston faces, cylinder walls, and valve heads.
The airplane was recovered and retained for further examination.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP Registration: N218VB
Model/Series: SR22T Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:
Operator: On file Operating Certificate(s) None
Held:
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: VMC Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: RHP,1696 ft msl Observation Time: 15:51 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 22 Nautical Miles Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C /11°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction:
Lowest Ceiling: None Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.07 inches Hg Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Nashville, TN (JWN) Destination: Franklin, NC (1A5)
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 2 Fatal Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 3 Fatal Latitude, Longitude: 35.226085,-83.418479 (est)
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Administrative Information
Investigator In Charge (IIC): Alleyne, Eric
Additional Participating Persons: Micheal D. Silverman; FAA/NTSB; Charlotte, NC
John Goebel; Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth, MN
Micheal Everhart; FAA/FSDO; Charlotte, NC
Julie Crowell; Continental Aerospace; Mobile , AL
Investigation Class: Class 3
Note:
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This information is preliminary and subject to change.
