Brett James, passed away in a plane crash in North Carolina on September 18. His wife and daughter also reportedly died in the crash, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The cause of the accident is under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), but is currently unknown.

Brett James Passes Away in Plane Crash

The famed country songwriter, Brett James (full name: Brett James Cornelius), passed away in a plane crash that occurred in Franklin, North Carolina, on Thursday, September 18. He is known for songs like “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Who I Am,” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” and worked with artists like Carrie Underwood, Rodney Atkins, Kenny Chesney, and others. He was 57 years old, and is survived by four adult children.

What is Known About the Crash

James, along with two other people, were flying in a Cirrus SR22T that reportedly belonged to the songwriter. The plane had taken off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, TN, but did not reach its ultimate destination, crashing in an open field in Franklin, NC. All three people on board the plane passed away, although no cause for the crash has yet been determined.

Possible Causes of the Accident

While there is currently no publicly available information, there are a few factors that commonly contribute to these types of accidents. First, there is always the risk that the plane suffered some kind of mechanical failure, whether due to improper maintenance or a defective part. Inclement weather may also have played a part, if there was unexpected wind or rain that interfered with piloting the plane. There is also a possibility that there was some kind of pilot error that resulted in them losing control of the plane.

What Happens Now

The FAA and the NTSB will conduct a full investigation of the crash to determine its potential cause. The victims will also be autopsied, and then sent back home to be buried by their loved ones. A preliminary assessment should be issued in a few weeks once the initial investigation is concluded, with a full report likely to come out within a few months.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Brett James’ family and friends.