MOORESVILLE, N.C. – The National Transportation Safety Board has revealed that there was no distress call made by the pilot before a deadly plane crash in Mooresville on Sunday. However, it appears that the engine of the plane was not producing power at the time of the crash, according to air safety investigator Lynn Spencer.
The crash claimed the life of Mooresville’s Randy Mysliviec, the pilot of the Piper Malibu Matrix, which left the Lake Norman Airpark and headed northwest for 30 miles at 3,000 feet before attempting to return to the airpark. Spencer mentioned that Mysliviec made a standard two-mile final radio call as he returned toward the airpark, and all parts of the aircraft were found on the scene, ruling out an in-flight breakup. However, the investigator stated that whatever went wrong happened quickly before the crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration, Lycoming Engines, and Piper Aircrafts are assisting the NTSB with the investigation, which includes a search of the crash site before the aircraft is relocated to a salvage facility in Georgia. The preliminary investigation will take about 10 days, and a full report can take approximately 18 months to determine the probable cause.
The NTSB is asking anyone with video or audio of the accident to share them with [email protected]. The crash happened around 12:15 p.m. Sunday as the plane was attempting to land at Lake Norman Airpark. Master Trooper Christopher Casey of the North Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed that Mysliviec was transported to Lake Norman Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
The N.C. Highway Patrol has secured the scene, and the investigations will provide further insight into the circumstances leading to this tragic event.