The tragic plane crash that claimed the life of country songwriter Brett James and two others involved a sudden ‘spiral’ descent, according to a recent report.
Brett James, 57, was piloting the Cirrus SR22T aircraft when it went down in Franklin, North Carolina, on September 18. Onboard were his girlfriend, Melody Wilson, 59, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, 28.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary findings suggest that James initiated a ‘tightening spiral’ before the plane crashed into a field near Valley Elementary School. Known for penning hits for stars like Carrie Underwood, James was flying on a personal trip from Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport to Macon County Airport.
As the aircraft neared the destination around 2:48 p.m., James communicated to air traffic control that he had visual contact with the runway. He was subsequently cleared to switch to the common traffic advisory frequency, which pilots use to coordinate aircraft movements at non-towered airports.
Shortly afterward, James communicated that he was flying at an altitude of 6,800 feet and intended to execute a 360-degree turn before attempting to land.
But, moments later James reported he was flying at just 6,800ft and was going to make a 360-degree turn before landing.
That was the final message received from James before the plane plummeted into a field about a half-mile from the runway.
Witnesses said they saw the plane flying very low over the school’s playground and that its wings were ‘rocking side-to-side,’ per the report.
Country songwriter Brett James’ (left) plane went into a ‘spiral’ before it crashed into a field in Franklin, North Carolina on September 18
The crash left James, his girlfriend Melody Wilson, 59, and her daughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson, 28, dead
James was piloting his plane during a personal flight from Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport to Macon County Airport when the fatal incident occurred. (Pictured: Melody and Meryl)
The aircraft was then spotted ‘rolling inverted’ before it vanished behind trees and crashed. No one was injured on the ground.
After crashing, James’ plane rested upright in the field leaving all major parts at the scene.
The investigation found no signs of engine failure. The jet has since been recovered and is undergoing further examination.
The musician is survived by his four adult children and his ex-wife, Sandra Cornelius.
James and Melody had been in a relationship for several years and often posted their travels on social media. They lived together in Nashville in a stunning $2 million home.
Tragically, Melody had wished her daughter a happy 28th birthday just one day before the fatal plane crash.
‘You’re the MOST BEAUTIFUL AMAZING HUMAN inside and out! I’m humbled and grateful everyday for your shining presence in my life! God has already used you for His Kingdom in so many ways and so much more to come! No words can express what a gift you are to me and everyone that KNOWS YOU.’
Meryl had written on her own Instagram: ’28 years old. 142 days sober. Extremely Happy to be here.’
James (pictured in 2022)wrote hits for Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean more
James and Melody has been in a relationship for several years and lived together in stunning $2 million home
Following news of his death, the hitmaker was remembered for his country tunes, including Carrie Underwood’s Grammy-winning ‘Jesus, Take The Wheel’ and ‘The Truth’ by Jason Aldean.
He also co-wrote Taylor Swift’s song ‘A perfectly Good Heart’ that was part of her 2006 debut album.
For his work, James was twice named the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers’ Country Songwriter of the year.
The singer was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.
He also worked as a producer, serving on the boards of the Country Music Association and the Recording Academy. Additionally, James owned the publishing company Cornman Music.
Many celebrities spoke out following his death, including Underwood.
‘Some things are just unfathomable. The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words,’ Underwood began.
Melody had wished her daughter (pictured) a happy 28th birthday just one day before the fatal plane crash
She added, ‘Brett was the epitome of “cool.” I see him in my mind riding up to my cabins to write on his motorcycle…his hair somehow perfectly coiffed despite being under a helmet for however long.’
And the longtime performer mused, ‘I always loved hearing him sing “Cowboy Casanova” because a sassy girl anthem should’ve sounded ridiculous coming from a macho dude like him, but somehow, he even made that cool.’
She went on to share an anecdote about one of their songwriting sessions.
‘He was a good guy,’ she prefaced before reflecting, ‘I remember writing with him on a song that he basically wrote 75% of and had ready when he walked in the room.
‘We filled in the blanks and added a little melody and I told him after that I didn’t feel right splitting the credit evenly when he did most of the work. He wouldn’t have it. He insisted that everything be equal. He was just that kind of guy…’
