Kill Devil Hills, August 12, 2025
News Summary
Kill Devil Hills has been rocked by tragedy following two fatal incidents over the weekend. A car accident on Sunday night claimed the life of Matthew Holcomb, while a plane crash on Saturday evening resulted in five fatalities. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the car crash, and the National Transportation Safety Board is looking into the plane crash, which saw a Cirrus SR22 aircraft hit a tree during its approach to First Flight Airport. The local community is left mourning the loss.
Kill Devil Hills, NC – A wave of tragedy has struck Kill Devil Hills with two fatal incidents occurring over the weekend. A car crash late Sunday night has left one man dead, while a plane crash on Saturday evening resulted in the deaths of all five individuals aboard.
Fatal Car Crash Details
The car accident occurred around 11:37 p.m. on Sunday on NC 12 near Avon. Matthew Holcomb, 35, was driving a Honda CRV southbound when he crossed the center line, leading to a head-on collision with a northbound Nissan Maxima. Holcomb was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Maxima was taken to The Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head with injuries that were deemed not life-threatening. Fortunately, there were no passengers present in either vehicle.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash, although the cause remains unknown at this time.
Plane Crash Incident
In a separate incident, a single-engine plane crash occurred on Saturday evening at the Wright Brothers National Memorial First Flight Airport. The crash was reported just before 6 p.m. and resulted in the deaths of all five people on board, which included four adults and one minor. After crashing into terrain adjacent to the airport’s runway, the aircraft caught fire.
Witnesses described the scene as horrific, with images depicting a pile of mangled metal and broken glass strewn in the woods. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the quiet plane, identified as a Cirrus SR22, struck a tree during its second landing approach prior to the crash. The aircraft had begun the multi-leg journey from Moore County and had last departed from Dare County Regional Airport.
At the time of the incident, weather conditions were reported to be clear, with south winds at approximately 10 mph. As the plane caught fire, local fire departments, including the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department, responded quickly and worked to extinguish the flames. The smoke from the crash could be seen from several miles away.
The NTSB has indicated that it will not release the names of the victims at this time, and the final report on the plane incident may take between 9 to 12 months to be completed. They are encouraging any witnesses or residents who may have observed the crash to reach out and provide information.
Airport Status
First Flight Airport is expected to reopen on Tuesday following the crash, continuing its operations after dealing with this significant tragedy.
Background Context
Kill Devil Hills, located in North Carolina, is often frequented by tourists and residents alike, serving as a gateway to some of the most beautiful coastal regions of the state. The area holds historic significance as it is the site of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight. While the region is accustomed to transient air traffic given its tourism appeal, such tragic incidents are some of the most devastating for the local community.
FAQ Section
What happened in Kill Devil Hills over the weekend?
Two fatal incidents occurred: a car crash that claimed one life and a plane crash that killed all five passengers aboard.
Who was involved in the car crash?
The deceased was identified as Matthew Holcomb, a 35-year-old man from Kill Devil Hills. The other driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
What caused the plane crash?
The plane crashed after hitting a tree during its landing approach. The NTSB is conducting an investigation to determine further details.
How long will it take to complete the investigation regarding the plane crash?
The final report from the NTSB for the plane crash could take between 9 to 12 months to complete.
Is First Flight Airport operational now?
First Flight Airport is expected to reopen for operations on Tuesday following the plane crash incident.
Key Features Summary
| Incident Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Car Crash |
|
| Plane Crash |
|
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: Fatal Crash in Kill Devil Hills
- Wikipedia: Kill Devil Hills
- Wavy: NTSB Report on Outer Banks Plane Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- WTKR: Multiple Fatalities in Plane Crash
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
