New Details Emerge in Plane Crash That Killed Songwriter Brett James, Wife, and Stepdaughter
Authorities have released a preliminary report on the September 18, 2025 plane crash that claimed the lives of Grammy-winning country songwriter Brett James, his wife Melody Carole, and her daughter Meryl Wilson. The report, issued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), reveals new information about the moments leading up to the tragic accident.
The Final Flight
According to the NTSB, Brett James, 57, was piloting a Cirrus SR22T when it crashed near Macon County Airport (MCA) in Franklin, North Carolina. The aircraft had departed from John C. Tune Airport (JCA) in Nashville, Tennessee, at 12:41 p.m., and the crash occurred roughly two hours later—just a quarter-mile from the runway at MCA.
At 2:48 p.m. local time, James radioed air traffic control, stating that he was 6,800 feet above ground and intended to perform a 360-degree turn to land. However, after that final transmission, no further communication was received.
The Crash Caught on Camera
Surveillance footage from nearby cameras captured the plane as it descended in a left turn before entering what the NTSB described as a “tightening spiral” that ended in a violent impact.
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying low over a school playground, appearing unstable as it rocked side-to-side before rolling inverted and disappearing behind a treeline.
The crash occurred in an open field west of Iotla Valley Elementary School, narrowly avoiding populated areas. Fortunately, no one on the ground was injured.
No Mechanical Failure Detected
The preliminary report notes no evidence of engine failure or mechanical malfunction at this stage of the investigation. The aircraft has since been recovered for further analysis, with a full report expected in the coming months.
A Sudden End to a Celebrated Life
The tragedy struck just days after James and his family had celebrated Meryl Wilson’s 28th birthday, as seen in a recent Instagram post by Melody Carole.
James, one of Nashville’s most accomplished songwriters, earned 27 No. 1 hits and co-wrote some of the biggest songs in modern country music — including “Jesus, Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood, “When the Sun Goes Down” and “Out Last Night” by Kenny Chesney, and “The Man I Want to Be” by Chris Young.
He won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.
Remembering Brett James
James’ death has left the country music community in mourning. Longtime collaborators such as Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Carrie Underwood have shared emotional tributes, remembering him as a creative force and a loyal friend.
James is survived by his adult children from his previous marriage to Sandra Cornelius-Little.
While investigators continue to piece together the cause of the crash, the loss of Brett James marks the end of a career that profoundly shaped country music — and a reminder of how quickly even the brightest lives can be cut short.