News Release

Wright Brothers National Memorial releases names of Sept. 28 airplane crash fatalities

Date: October 1, 2024
Contact: Mike Barber, 252-475-9032

MANTEO, N.C. — On the evening of Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, a single-engine airplane crashed into a wooded area at Wright Brothers National Memorial’s First Flight Airport (FFA). The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash of the Cirrus SR-22 airplane.

The five people on board the airplane when it crashed were as follows: Shashwat Ajit Adhikari, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Jason Ray Campbell, 43, Southern Pines, North Carolina; Kate McAllister Neely, 39, of Southern Pines, North Carolina; Matthew Arthur Fassnacht, 44, of Marietta, Georgia; and a 6-year-old child. There were no survivors.

“National Park Service employees at Wright Brothers National Memorial, Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (Outer Banks Group) extend their deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” stated David Hallac, superintendent, Outer Banks Group.

Wright Brothers National Memorial wishes to thank the following for their responses to the Sept. 28 airplane crash: Kill Devil Hills fire and police departments; Kitty Hawk fire and police departments; National Park Service law enforcement rangers; North Carolina State Highway Patrol and North Carolina Forest Service; and Dare County Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management and Sheriff’s Office.

“Our Dare County, North Carolina, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk partners provided incredible support to the National Park Service during this tragic event,” stated David Hallac. “Their efforts to quickly extinguish the fire associated with the crash prevented further impacts to the surrounding environment and community. In particular, I appreciated the exceptional leadership provided by Kill Devil Hills Fire Chief Troy Tilley, Dare County Fire Marshall Steve Kovacs, North Carolina State Highway Patrol Sergeant D.C. Pridgen, Dare County Emergency Manager Drew Pearson and Dare County EMS Director Jennie Collins.”