After a July 4 getaway, a family of four perished in a plane accident.

Family’s Beach Getaway Ends in Tragic Plane Crash

A family’s joyful beach trip turned into heartbreak when their small plane crashed in North Carolina, killing all four on board. The victims included a mother, father, and their two young children.

The Crash Details

On July 7, Travis and Candace Buchanan, both 35, flew home with their children, 10-year-old Aubrey and 9-year-old Walker. They took off from Merritt Island, Florida, after a beach vacation. Their plane, a single-engine Cirrus SR22T registered to Travis, crashed near Sanford Raleigh Executive Airport in Lee County, about 20 minutes from their destination.

Emergency crews arrived around 2:03 p.m. They found three passengers dead at the scene. The fourth was rushed to the hospital but later died. Authorities report the crash occurred in a heavily wooded area under unknown circumstances.

A Community in Mourning

The Buchanans owned Buchanan Farms in Sanford and were beloved members of their community. Local farms and businesses expressed deep sorrow.

Pint Sized Pasture shared on Facebook:
“Our hearts are shattered… The Buchanans were more than fellow farmers — they were a cornerstone in this community. Their kindness and presence mattered.”

Visit NC Farms added:
“We mourn the unimaginable loss of the Buchanan family. Buchanan Farms was more than a business—it was a place where memories were made.”

Tributes from Friends and Customers

Local restaurant Los Charros Mexican Restaurant paid tribute:
“Travis, his wife, and kids were more than customers—they were friends. Travis even brought us his harvests, and we named a margarita after his farm. This loss is devastating.”

Workers Carry on the Legacy

Despite the tragedy, Buchanan Farms’ workers continue their duties in silence, honoring the family’s legacy. Neighbor Rebekah Angel Walters shared a heartfelt observation of the farm staff persevering through grief.

Preliminary Cause: Engine Issues

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that the pilot reported engine problems, as well as a loss of communication and navigation equipment, before the crash. Investigations are ongoing.