New Details Emerge About Plane Crash That Killed “Jesus, Take The Wheel” Songwriter Brett James
on Sep 19, 2025
New details about the plane crash that claimed the life of beloved Nashville songwriter, Brett James, are emerging.
Brett James Cornelius, professionally known as Brett James, was one of Music City’s most accomplished songwriters. With hundreds of songs recorded by dozens of artists, Brett had 27 No. 1 songs to his credit as well as a spot in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Jessica Andrews’ 2001 hit “Who I Am” was Brett’s first chart-topping song, which set in motion a songwriting career that made him one of the most sought after writers in the industry.
Cornelius’ extensive catalog included songs like Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take The Wheel” and “Something In The Water,” Martina McBride’s “Blessed,” “I Love You This Big” by Scotty McCreery, and many more.
What We Know About The Plane Crash That Killed Brett James
Initial reports indicated that a Cirrus SR22T registered to Brett Cornelius of Brentwood, Tennessee, crashed outside of Franklin, North Carolina, on Thursday afternoon.
The single-engine aircraft took off from John C. Tune Airport (KJWN) in Nashville, Tennessee, at 12:41 p.m. (CDT) before it crashed in North Carolina, according to WSMV. FlightAware data shows that the plane was traveling from Nashville to the Macon County Airport (1A5) in Franklin, North Carolina.
The plane crashed near the Iotla Valley Elementary School, located adjacent to the airport, indicating that the crash happened while it was coming in for a landing. This was confirmed by the FAA whose initial report stated that the accident happened “in a wooded area” upon approach.
The other victims of the crash have been identified.
The Federal Aviation Commission said that the aircraft was carrying three passengers, all of whom perished.
Local authorities told NBC News that the other passengers were Melody Carole and Meryl Maxwell Wilson. Social media posts reveal that Brett James and Melody Carole wed in 2021. Meryl Maxwell Wilson is Melody Carole’s daughter. Wilson celebrated her 28th birthday just two days before the crash.
An NTSB investigator is on scene, the agency shared in a statement to Country Rebel.
“An NTSB investigator is on scene documenting the scene, examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be removed and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation,” the statement reads.
The media spokesperson shared what the investigation will entrail, saying, “NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment.”
The agency will be gathering the following information for the investigation:
-Recordings of any air traffic control communications
-Radar data (Flight track data)
-Weather reports, weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions around the time of the accident
-72-hour background of the pilot to determine if there were any issues that could have affected the pilot’s ability to safely operate the flight
-Witness statements
-Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation, and any available surveillance video.
-Aircraft maintenance records
-Pilot’s license, ratings, and recency of flight experience
Witnesses or those who have surveillance video or other information that could be relevant to the investigation are asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.
A full preliminary crash report will be released within 30 days of the accident. The release of a final report could take as long as 24 months.
