Tragedy struck at Wright Brothers National Memorial's First Flight Airport in Manteo, N.C., on Saturday afternoon when a single-engine plane crashed in a wooded area, resulting in multiple fatalities, as confirmed by the National Park Service.
The incident took place at 5 p.m. while the aircraft was attempting to land at the airport, as reported by eyewitnesses and detailed in a news release by the park service. Following the crash, the plane caught fire, prompting a swift response from the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department and other local fire departments who successfully extinguished the flames.
Due to the crash and subsequent fire, the airport has been closed until further notice, according to the park service. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the tragic event, with the Federal Aviation Administration already informed of the situation.
In light of the incident, the Wright Brothers National Memorial will remain closed on Sunday, as announced by the park service. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
