What really happened in the plane crash that killed songwriter Brett James?
Brett James; plane crash. Image Credit : Lawrence Lucier/FilmMagic; WLOS News 13
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, tragedy struck when a Cirrus SR22T aircraft went down in Macon County, North Carolina. The crash occurred just west of Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin around 3 p.m. According to Macon County dispatch, all three people on board were killed.
Among the victims was Brett James, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, known for penning hits like “Jesus Take the Wheel” for Carrie Underwood and “When the Sun Goes Down” for Kenny Chesney. He was 57 years old.
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Did Brett James Own the Plane?
Records from FlightAware show that the aircraft, a Cirrus SR22T with tail number N218VB, was registered to Brett James in Brentwood, Tennessee. The plane had departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville earlier that day and crashed less than two hours later in Franklin.
The FAA confirmed that no survivors were found at the crash site. Authorities have not yet released the names of the other two victims.
What Caused the Plane to Go Down?
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading inquiries into the accident.
The NTSB announced that an investigator would be on the scene by Friday, September 19. Their team will examine the aircraft’s wreckage, flight path, weather conditions, and potential mechanical issues. A preliminary report is expected within days, though full investigations can take months.
Local Impact and Safety Concerns
While the crash happened close to Iotla Valley Elementary School, officials confirmed that students and staff were unharmed. The Macon County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the accident occurred on a neighboring property, though the proximity raised concerns about air traffic safety near schools and residential areas.
North Carolina Highway Patrol and local emergency crews assisted with securing the crash site, while investigators from federal agencies prepared to assess the wreckage.
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Brett James: A Legacy in Music
The loss of Brett James reverberates across the music industry. With more than 500 songs recorded by artists including Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, and Martina McBride, James earned a reputation as one of Nashville’s most prolific songwriters.
He won a Grammy Award for “Jesus Take the Wheel” in 2007 and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022. Known for blending emotional storytelling with mainstream country hooks, James left an indelible mark on American music.
What Happens Next in the Investigation?
The NTSB will reconstruct the final minutes of the flight using radar data, cockpit recordings (if available), and witness accounts. Investigators will also analyze maintenance records to determine if mechanical failure contributed to the crash.
A final report could take up to a year, but the preliminary findings will clarify whether weather, human error, or technical malfunction played a role.
Remembering Brett James
As the investigation unfolds, fans and colleagues are remembering Brett James not only as a songwriter but as a mentor and collaborator. His songs defined a generation of country music, and his sudden passing leaves a void in both Nashville and the broader creative community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Did Brett James die in the North Carolina plane crash?
Yes. Brett James, the Grammy-winning songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, was among the three people killed when a Cirrus SR22T crashed in Franklin, N.C., on September 18, 2025.
Who else was on board the plane with Brett James?
Authorities have not yet released the names of the other two victims. All three passengers were confirmed dead at the crash site by Macon County officials.
Did Brett James own the plane that crashed?
Flight records show the Cirrus SR22T, tail number N218VB, was registered to Brett James of Brentwood, Tennessee. The aircraft had departed from Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport before the crash.
What caused the plane crash that killed Brett James?
The exact cause has not been determined. The FAA and NTSB are investigating factors such as weather, possible mechanical failure, and pilot error. A preliminary report is expected within days, but final findings may take up to a year.
Was anyone else in danger during the crash?
The crash occurred near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, but local authorities confirmed that students and staff were unharmed.
What songs is Brett James best known for?
Brett James wrote numerous hits, including “Jesus Take the Wheel” for Carrie Underwood, “When the Sun Goes Down” for Kenny Chesney, and songs recorded by Jason Aldean, Martina McBride, and many others.
What happens next in the investigation?
The NTSB will analyze flight data, interview witnesses, and examine the wreckage. Their preliminary report will shed light on possible causes, but the full investigation may take several months.
