A vibrant North Carolina family’s homecoming turned to tragedy when their plane crashed near Sanford’s regional airport. The Buchanan family—known for their thriving farm and community spirit—perished July 7 after their aircraft experienced apparent mechanical failures during approach.
Preliminary NTSB reports reveal the pilot reported multiple system malfunctions before the Cirrus SR22T went down. The family had been returning from a Florida getaway, eager to prepare for an upcoming charity event at their beloved Buchanan Farms. “They were the glue of this community,” said Michael Yarborough, a local business owner who regularly sourced produce from their farm.
At the children’s school, grief-stricken teachers shared memories of the Buchanan siblings. One recalled Walker’s curious mind, while others cherished Aubrey’s affectionate nature. The farm’s social media, typically filled with event photos and harvest updates, has become a memorial space for heartbroken followers.
As investigators work to determine if mechanical failure, weather, or other factors caused the crash, the community focuses on supporting surviving relatives and preserving the Buchanans’ legacy of generosity. Their final Facebook post—a Fourth of July safety reminder—now carries painful irony.
