Brett James plane crash NTSB report reveals new details about fatal flight
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New details have emerged about the tragic plane crash that killed country music songwriter Brett James, the name behind Carrie Underwood’s hit song “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”
According to a new report obtained by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). people magazineBefore the fatal crash on September 18, James was en route from John C. Tune Airport (JCA) in Nashville to Macon County Airport (MCA) in Franklin, North Carolina. There were three passengers in total; They included James, his wife Melody Carole, 59, and daughter Meryl Wilson, 28. There were no survivors.
At around 2:48 p.m. local time, James approached MCA to land and reported that he was at an altitude of 6,800 feet and “intended to perform a 360° turn to land” on the runway, according to the report.
BRETT JAMES, “Jesus, Take the Wheel” Lyricist, DIES IN NORTH CAROLINA PLANE CRASH
Country music songwriter Brett James, known for writing Carrie Underwood’s iconic song “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” died in a tragic plane crash on September 18. (Fred Hayes/Getty Images for Sundance Film Festival)
Air traffic control received no further messages from James after that, according to the report.
The aircraft reportedly began a “descending left turn from 6,300 ft” and made a full turn before approaching the runway at 3,300 ft.
“Surveillance video showed the aircraft flying over the runway before initiating a descending left turn. The aircraft continued to descend in the left turn before entering a tightening spiral and striking the ground,” the NTSB report said. he said. The report said the plane “wobbled from side to side” and eventually “began to roll upside down and descend behind a treeline,” according to People.
The Grammy-winning songwriter “intended to perform a 360° turn to land” on the runway before the fatal crash, according to a new report released by the National Transportation Safety Board. (Lester Cohen/Getty Images for ASCAP)
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The NTSB’s investigation found no signs of engine failure. The aircraft was recovered and subjected to further examination.
A representative from the NTSB did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Just months before his untimely death, James shared a heartfelt moment with his loved ones. She was all smiles as she posted a family photo on June 16.
“What an amazing Father’s Day!!” James wrote in the caption of his Instagram post.
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A few days before his post, the country songwriter shared a selfie of himself and his wife Melody on the beach.
“Having so much fun with my love in the Bahamas,” he wrote under the photo.
The plane crash occurred just days after James’ stepdaughter Meryl celebrated her 28th birthday.
Brett James died in a plane crash on September 18, 2025, along with his wife Melody Carole and stepdaughter Meryl Wilson. (Getty Images; Melody Wilson/Instagram)
James’ illustrious career has spanned decades and he has become one of the most successful and beloved songwriters in Nashville.
He has worked on more than 500 songs recorded by artists such as. Faith HillKelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban and Meghan Trainor.
James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.
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Fox News Digital’s Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this report.
