WASHINGTON — New details are being released after Grammy award-winning songwriter Brett James and two others were killed in a plane crash last month in North Carolina. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its preliminary report on the Sept. 18 crash.

Federal investigators say Brett James’ plane appeared to spiral before crashing in a field near an elementary school.

According to the report, James’ Cirrus SR22T took off from Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport and was headed to Macon County Airport in Franklin when the incident occurred. The plane was on a personal flight and operated under visual conditions, with James as the pilot.

As the aircraft approached the airport around 2:48 p.m., James reported he had the runway in sight and was approved to switch to common tra

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