Chilling new details emerge after plane crash killed Grammy-winning songwriter

New details of have been released of the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of a Grammy-winning country songwriter and his family.

Brett James, his 59-year-old wife Melody Carole, and his 28-year-old stepdaughter Meryl Wilson, were all on board a small aircraft en route to North Carolina when disaster struck, on September 18.

James, who was flying the Cirrus SR22T, en route to Macon County Airport in North Carolina.

A newly released report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sheds light on the final moments before the small plane - a Cirrus SR22T - went down.

According to investigators, James - who was flying the plane - had 'requested a visual approach' as the 57-year-old prepared to land the aircraft.

He planned to complete a 360-degree turn before touching down, but during the maneuver, the plane entered a 'tightening spiral' and crashed into a nearby field. There were no survivors.

The journey had started earlier that afternoon, when the trio departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee, at 12.41pm. Just over two hours later - at around 2.48pm - James contacted air traffic control, explaining that he was at 6,800 feet and intended to circle before landing at Macon County.

Tragically, that was the last transmission anyone heard from him.

Security footage and witness accounts paint a devastating picture of the moments before impact. As the plane descended, it began rocking side-to-side, rolled upside down, and plunged behind a tree line.

Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying low over a nearby school playground before it spiraled to the ground.

The NTSB confirmed there were no signs of engine failure, with the recovered wreckage set to undergo further examination as the investigation continues.

Carrie Underwood posted a touching tribute to Brett James and his family following the tragic news (Instagram/carrieunderwood)

The crash came just days after the family had celebrated Wilson’s 28th birthday - a heartbreaking detail shared in a post on Melody Carole’s Instagram.

James was a towering figure in country music, best known for co-writing 'Jesus, Take the Wheel' with Carrie Underwood - a hit that earned him a Grammy.

Following the news, Underwood shared a moving tribute on Instagram, writing in part: "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.”

She went on to recall his generosity, talent, and faith, as the 42-year-old added: “Brett loved the Lord. Which is the only comfort we can hold on to now."