The Wright Brothers National Memorial is releasing the names of those killed in a Sept. 28 plane crash

On the evening of Saturday, September 28, 2024, a single-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area at Wright Brothers National Memorial First Flight Airport (FFA). The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash of the Cirrus SR-22 aircraft.

The five people on board the plane when it crashed were: Shashwat Ajit Adhikari, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Jason Ray Campbell, 43, Southern Pines, North Carolina; Kate McAllister Neely, 39, of Southern Pines, North Carolina; Matthew Arthur Fassnacht, 44, of Marietta, Georgia; and a 6 year old child. There were no survivors.

“National Park Service staff at Wright Brothers National Memorial, Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (Outer Banks Group) extend their deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones affected by this tragedy.” said Outer Banks Group Superintendent David Hallac.

The Wright Brothers National Memorial would like to thank the following individuals for their responses to the September 28 plane crash: Kill the Devil Hills Fire Department and Police Department; Kitty Hawk Fire and Police; National Park Service police officers; North Carolina State Highway Patrol and North Carolina Forest Service; and Dare County Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management and Sheriff's Office.

“Our partners in Dare County, North Carolina, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk provided incredible support to the National Park Service during this tragic event.” explained David Hallac. “Their efforts to quickly extinguish the fire associated with the crash prevented further impacts to the surrounding environment and community. In particular, I appreciated the exceptional leadership provided by Kill Devil Hills Fire Chief Troy Tilley, Dare County Fire Marshal Steve Kovacs, North Carolina State Highway Patrol Sergeant DC Pridgen, Dare County Emergency Manager Drew Pearson, and Dare Emergency Medical Services Director County, Jennie Collins.”