A local family known for their farm and contributions to the community was killed Monday afternoon when their plane crashed in a field off Riddle Road near the Raleigh Exec Jetport.
The NC State Highway Patrol identified those killed as Travis and Candace Buchanan, who were both 35; Aubrey Buchanan, 10; and Walker Buchanan, 9. Three of the four died at the scene, while the fourth was pronounced dead at a hospital, the patrol said in a news release.
Across the community, outpouring of grief and love for the owners of Buchanan Farms was visible. Social media was filled with tributes by late Monday.
Grace Christian School said on its Facebook page that Travis and Candace Buchanan were the parents of Aubrey, a fifth-grader this fall at the school, and Walker, an upcoming fourth-grader.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of one of our Crusader Families,” the post said, referencing the school’s nickname. “During this incredibly difficult time, we stand together in support of their family and one another.”
There were no survivors in the crash involving the Cirrus SR22T airplane, which an NTSB official said happened shortly after 1:30 p.m. under currently unknown circumstances. The aircraft ultimately will be recovered and taken to a facility for further evaluation, the agency said.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies received a call of the crash in a field in the 1200 block of Riddle Road. The site was not close to any roads, so access was difficult for first responders. The field is located between Riddle Road and Lower Moncure Road, and officials had all entrances to the scene blocked. On Tuesday, investigators combed the scene looking for clues as to what may have caused the plane to crash just a few miles from Raleigh Exec.
Federal Aviation Administration records list Travis Buchanan as the plane’s owner. The plane departed Merritt Island, Florida, about 11 a.m. Monday and was last seen about 1:30 p.m. near Sanford, according to according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware.
Raleigh Exec officials posted on social media that the plane was based at the airport, but said few details could be released at this time.
“We will fully cooperate with investigators and we extend our heartfelt condolences to family and friends,” the statement from Raleigh Exec said.
Among the other tributes to the family was one posted by The Pint Sized Pasture, which spoke of the tragic crash.
“The Buchanans were more than just fellow farmers — they were a cornerstone in this community,” the Facebook post read. “Their kindness, their work, their presence… it mattered. Their daughter, Aubrey, had a special place in our hearts. She adored our little Asher and always had her right by her side during events. If Aubrey was there, I knew Asher was in good hands. From our family at Pint Sized Pasture to theirs — we send our deepest love, our prayers, and our most heartfelt condolences to all their loved ones. May their legacy live on in the hearts they touched.”