Three people have died in a small-engine plane crash near Franklin, North Carolina, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). One of the occupants was Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, confirmed by the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The Cirrus SR22T, a plane registered to James that left Nashville at 12:41 p.m. CST, went down west of Iotla Valley Elementary School, reported WLOS earlier Thursday. Students and staff were reported safe, and no one was injured at the school, according to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.

A statement from the FAA states:

“A Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field in Franklin, North Carolina, around 3 p.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 18. Three people were on board. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide further updates.”

SEPT. 18, 2025 – Macon County dispatch confirmed that a small plane crashed west of Iotla Valley Elementary School, and no one on board survived. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame announced James’ passing on Thursday night.

James, 57, had more than 800 songs recorded by artists including Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, and Bon Jovi. One of his most notable hits is “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” sung by Carrie Underwood.

He was twice named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year and was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. James also worked as a producer, served on the boards of the Country Music Association and the Recording Academy, and owned the publishing company Cornman Music, according to the Nashville Symphony website.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating the crash. The North Carolina Highway Patrol is assisting, and the Federal Aviation Administration is leading the investigation.

SEPT. 18, 2025 – Macon County dispatch confirmed that a small plane crashed west of Iotla Valley Elementary School, and no one on board survived. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)