NASHVILLE, TENN. — A well-known Tennessee aviation attorney says federal investigators will be looking closely at both pilot actions and mechanical factors as they try to determine what caused the small plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina that killed three people — including Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James.

The crash involved a 2016 Cirrus SR22T, which went down just 500 feet from the runway at the Macon County Airport on September 18, shortly after executing a go-around maneuver. The plane had departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville.

“This kind of crash often raises key questions about whether the aircraft experienced mechanical trouble during the final approach, or if the pilot misjudged the go-around,” said Keith Williams, a nationally recognized aviation attorney based in Nashville. “It’s too early to know what happened, but these are exactly the kinds of scenarios the NTSB and FAA will investigate in the coming weeks.”

Brett James, one of the three people killed in the crash, was a prolific country music songwriter whose credits include hits for Carrie Underwood (“Jesus Take The Wheel”), Kenny Chesney (“When The Sun Goes Down”), and Jessica Andrews (“Who I Am”).

The FAA and NTSB are currently investigating the crash, which occurred at 2:57 p.m. local time.

Williams, who has represented victims and families in numerous small aircraft and helicopter crashes across the U.S., says the investigation will likely focus on the pilot’s decision to abort the landing, weather conditions at the time, and the performance of the aircraft’s systems during descent.

“This is a heartbreaking loss, especially for the Nashville music community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. James’ family and the families of the two other crash victims,” Williams added. “But every crash also presents an opportunity to improve aviation safety and prevent future tragedies.”

In addition to his practice, Mr. Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.