Knightdale, NC (May 28, 2026) – Two people were hurt Wednesday afternoon when a small plane went down near Three Sisters Road at Raleigh East Airport. The accident occurred around 2:30 p.m.
The aircraft, a 2009 Rainbow Cheetah XLS, was traveling southwest near the end of Three Sisters Road when it struck several enclosed storage trailers. The plane continued in the same direction, hit several trees, and came to an uncontrolled landing in a ravine past the end of the runway: it sustained heavy damage to its wings and cockpit.
Both people on board were identified as Luis Quijano and John “Alex” Wellman. Emergency units arrived to find both men conscious and alert, and were able to get them out of the aircraft quickly, and take them to a hospital where they are expected to recover. Wellman was described as an experienced flight instructor and a retired Air Force command pilot.
Flight records showed the plane had taken off from Cox Airport in Apex. The FAA has taken over the wreck, and the cause has not yet been determined. We are relieved both men survived and wish them a full recovery.
What Happens After a Small Plane Crash at a Regional Airport in North Carolina?
When a small aircraft goes down at or near a regional airport, the response involves both local emergency units and federal aviation regulators. The FAA typically takes the lead on determining what caused the crash, examining the aircraft’s mechanical systems, the pilot’s recent flight history, weather data, and any available recordings or radar information.
Small general aviation planes like the one involved in this crash operate under different rules than commercial aircraft, and their accidents are investigated separately from airline incidents. Airports classified as general aviation facilities, which handle private and training flights rather than commercial service, see a higher rate of accidents per flight than major commercial airports. Pilot experience, aircraft maintenance records, and runway conditions are all part of what gets reviewed after a crash at this type of facility.
