The Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field Monday afternoon in Lee County near Raleigh Executive Jetport.
Ryan Enders, an Aviation Accident Investigator with the NTSB, said the plane flew from Merritt Island, Florida, and was headed to the jetport in Sanford.
The plane crashed about one mile from the jetport. Travis Buchanan, 35, his wife, Candace Buchanan, 35, and their two children died.
"It's a tragedy, by all means," Enders said. "It's a devastating blow to everybody in the community. We're going to figure out what happened."
NTSB discusses deadly Lee County plane crash
Before the crash, the pilot called the fixed base operator at the airport, saying there were communication issues, as well as issues with the engine and navigation equipment, Enders said.
The plane will be taken to a facility in Tennessee for further examination.
The NTSB said that as part of the investigation, it is gathering information about the pilot's flight history and will review their activities and conditions in the 72 hours before the flight.
While that investigation continues, people in the community said the Buchanan family will be missed for their generosity and for the many events they hosted to raise money for charitable causes.
"When I heard yesterday about this accident, it broke me," said Andrea Adame of Los Charros Mexican Restaurant. "I'm a mother, and I cried because I really think they were important in this community. They were trying to provide a healthy and safe environment for the family."
The family owned Buchanan Farms in Lee County and operated a produce stand.
"That was truly their goal, just to have a place to have the community come together, and you could see that at the events, at the sessions," said Nickie Runyan, who operates Nickie Runyan Photography in Sanford. "They just truly did it for the community."
The Buchanans were supposed to hold another one of their charity events this upcoming weekend. But now, family and friends told ABC11 they are dealing with their grief as they process the next steps.
Michael Yarborough of Yarborough's Ice Cream and Grill says he sourced the strawberries for his ice cream from the Buchanans. He said Travis Buchanan's strong character set him apart from other farmers.
"That was the main reason I would always go there," he said, "because I was always greeted kindly."
A preliminary crash report will be published in about three weeks. The full report could take up to 18 months.
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