By Crash News Writer 
Franklin, NC (September 19, 2025) – A small aircraft traveling from Nashville tragically crashed near an elementary school in Macon County on Thursday afternoon, leaving three people dead.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Cirrus SR22T plane went down in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School around 3 p.m. on September 19. The aircraft had departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville at approximately 12:41 p.m. CDT, according to FlightAware tracking data.
Officials confirmed that all three occupants of the aircraft were killed in the crash. Among the deceased was renowned Nashville songwriter Brett Cornelius, also known professionally as Brett James, who was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.
Though the crash site was near the school grounds, Macon County Schools reported that no students or staff were injured, and the incident did not occur on school property. The crash is under investigation by the FAA, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, and the National Transportation Safety Board.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This report includes preliminary information gathered from public and official sources and may be updated as more facts emerge. For additional guidance, see our frequently asked questions in North Carolina.
- The full list of victims has not been officially confirmed pending notification of next of kin.
- Investigations by the FAA and NTSB are ongoing, and findings such as flight data, toxicology, and weather conditions will be made available in due course.
- Traffic and emergency activity in the area may still impact nearby roadways. Stay informed through local alerts or official sources.
Families in need of assistance can explore these accident resources in North Carolina to learn what steps to take next.
The information provided in this article is intended for general awareness and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. Updates may occur as investigations develop. Readers who have lost someone or were affected by a similar incident are encouraged to seek legal counsel. Read our full disclaimer.
If you’ve lost a family member in this crash or another tragic event, don’t wait to protect your rights. Reach out to a qualified North Carolina personal injury lawyer today.